Mild and Efficient One-Step Synthesis of Trithiocarbonates Using Minimum Amount of CS2

Symmetrical dialkyl trithiocarbonates were obtained from various alkyl halides with an equivalent of carbon disulfide and cesium carbonate in polar aprotic solvents, although the conventional synthesis of trithiocarbonates had required large excess amount of carbon disulfide. This reaction proceeds under ambient conditions, for example, at room temperature under an aerial ­atmosphere, without strong base nor phase-transfer catalyst.