The electrochemical behaviour of 2,2'-(bishydroxylamino)diphensulphide

Abstract 2,2'-Dinitrodiphenylsulphide(I) is reduced at mercury and non-mercury electrodes to 2,2'- (bishydroxylamino)diphenylsulphide(II) which can undergo further electrochemical and chemical reactions depending on potential and on the pH value of the solution. The electrochemical behaviour of II is described in detail. The chemical follow-up reactions of II in strongly acidic and in alkaline solutions may be applied in simple ellectrochemical preparations of the cyclic azoxy derative IV and of the cyclic azo derative III in good yield. Dibenzo(b,f)-(1,4,5)-thiadiazepine(III) and its N -oxide(IV) result in an electrolytically intact solution if the solution is made alkaline. A preparative electrolytic cell with mercury, solid metal and graphite working electrodes is described in detail.