Cyclic Acyl Disulfides and Acyl Selenylsulfides as the Precursors for Persulfides (RSSH), Selenylsulfides (RSeSH), and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).

The reactions of three model compounds (1-3) for cyclic acyl disulfides and cyclic acyl selenylsulfides are studied. These compounds were found to be effective precursors for persulfides (RSSH) and selenylsulfides (RSeSH) upon reacting with nucleophilic species. They could also act as H2S donors when interacting with cellular thiols. The most interesting discovery was the generation of RSeSH from compound 3 under mild conditions. Selenylsulfides (RSeSH) are expected to be important regulating molecules involved in Sec-related redox signaling. The method of producing RSeSH should allow researchers to better understand the chemical biology of RSeSH.