Synthesis of disulfides and 3-sulfenylchromones from sodium sulfinates catalyzed by TBAI

A new synthetic method for disulfides and 3-sulfenylchromones is reported. This innovative approach is based on the tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI)/H₂SO₄ reduction system using sodium sulfinate as key component, thus eliminating the need for thiols and redox reagents commonly used in traditional methods. Various disulfides and 3-sulfenylchromones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields through this methodology. Mechanistic studies indicate that thiosulfonates play an important role in the reaction process.