1,2-Bis(arylthio)arene synthesis via aryne intermediates

Lithium 1,1-diadamantylamide (LDAM) base-promoted insertion of arynes into disulfide S–S bonds is described. After generation of arynes from readily available aryl halides and triflates, reactions with diaryl and diisopropyl disulfides afford the insertion products in moderate to excellent yields. Use of 1-cyclohexenyl triflate gave an excellent yield of 1,2-bis(phenylthio)cyclohexene.