THE REACTION OF ANHYDROUS HCI/CHLOROFORM WITH DIARYL SULFOXIDES

Abstract

The reaction of variously substituted diaryl sulfoxides with anhydrous HCl in chloroform was examined. The products ranged from the corresponding sulfides to mono- and dichlorinated sulfides and sulfoxides. The same reaction in the presence of phenol afforded primarily the corresponding sulfides accompanied by o- and p-chlorophenol. The latter reaction is an efficient means for deoxygenating diaryl sulfoxides. The mechanism of the reaction and the nature of the chlorinating species are discussed.