Cleavage of substituted dispiro [bis(3′-aminoindene)-1′, 4;1′,5-(1,3-dithiolanes)] by means of transition metal salts

Dispiro[bis(3-aminoindene)-1′,4;1′,5-(1,3-dithiolanes)] react readily with Cu+, Ag+, Hg+, and Hg2+ salts to give the corresponding bis(1-imino-3-indenyls) and methanedithiol derivatives. Bis(1-oxo-3-indenyls) are formed when the reaction is carried out in the presence of water. The reactivities of the 1,3-dithiolanes were examined with allowance for electronic and steric factors, and the reactivities of the metal cations were examined from the point of view of Pearson's theory. Methods for the alternative synthesis of the compounds obtained were found, and their IR and PMR spectra are discussed.