Redox-mediator free, electrochemical S-trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides

A simple and sustainable electrochemical S -trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides is reported that requires no external oxidants or metal catalysts. Using sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate (Langlois' reagent) as an inexpensive CF 3 • source, the reaction proceeds under mild conditions and provides a green, cost-effective route to trifluoromethyl thioethers with up to 74% yield. • Efficient and sustainable S -trifluoromethylation of thiols and disulfides. • The use of electrical current together with a cheap precursor allows for a cheap, efficient process. • Detailed insight into mechanism. • The direct approach (without redox mediator) changes the mechanism and also the scope of substrates.