A bimetallic aluminum(salen) complex for the synthesis of 1,3-oxathiolane-2-thiones and 1,3-dithiolane-2-thiones.

The combined use of the bimetallic aluminum(salen) complex [Al(salen)](2)O and tetrabutylammonium bromide (or tributylamine) is found to catalyze the reaction between epoxides and carbon disulfide. In most cases, at 50 °C, the reaction produces 1,3-oxathiolane-2-thiones, while at 90 °C, 1,3-dithiolane-2-thiones are the main product. The structure and stereochemistry of three of the 1,3-dithiolane-2-thiones is unambiguously determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis, and this is used to correct errors in the literature concerning the synthesis of cyclic di- and trithiocarbonates. The kinetics of 1,3-oxathiolane-2-thione synthesis are determined, and the resulting rate equation, along with a stereochemical analysis of the reaction and catalyst modification studies, is used to determine a mechanism for the synthesis of 1,3-oxathiolane-2-thiones which contrasts with the mechanism previously determined for cyclic carbonate synthesis using the same bimetallic aluminum(salen) complex.