Revisiting the Zincke disulfide reaction for the post-polymerization functionalization of unsaturated polyolefins

The reaction of dibutyl disulfide with bromine readily yields butylsulfenyl bromide at room temperature. Electrophilic addition of butylsulfenyl bromide to olefins leads rapidly to the formation of the corresponding α-bromo, β-butylthio derivative under mild conditions. The applicability of this reagent for the efficient postpolymerization modification of unsaturated polyolefins is demonstrated.