The reaction of some cyclic and open-chain disulphides with methyl trifluoromethanesulphonate

The rates of reaction of methyl trifluoromethanesulphonate with a number of cyclic and open-chain disulphides have been studied at various temperatures. The main products of the reactions have been identified as the corresponding methylsulphonium salts. The difference in reactivity between the fivemembered and other disulphides arises from a combination of both enthalpy and entropy effects.