Synthesis of dithioacetals via nucleophilic substitution and their antifungal activity evaluation.

A novel dual nucleophilic substitution reaction of dichloromethane with thiols has been developed, which affords dithioacetals in up to 96% yields. This dual substitution reaction with two different nucleophiles is also successfully developed with α-acyloxy sulfides as the product. In addition, in vitro antifungal activity tests against L. theobromae disclose that these α-acyloxy sulfides exhibit excellent antifungal activity with an inhibition rate up to 100 ± 0%. This reaction provides efficient access to potential bioactive dithioacetals from readily available starting materials.