Cover Feature: Unconventional Reactivity of Ethynylbenziodoxolone Reagents and Thiols: Scope and Mechanism (Chem. Eur. J. 11/2020)

The production of 1,2-dithio-1-alkenes often requires transition metal catalysts, inert atmospheres, and harsh reaction conditions. In this work, an efficient and broadly applicable strategy based on ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents and thiols is presented, leading to the formation of 1,2-dithio-1-alkenes with excellent regioselectivity through previously unknown reactivity. A combined experimental and computational study revealed a totally unexpected mechanism involving a tandem of 2-electron and 1-electron reactions. More information can be found in the Full Paper by R. S. Paton, G. M. Miyake, et al. on page 2386.