Direct synthesis of 1,3-dithiane substituted nitroarenes via vicarious nucleophilic substitution with 2-phenylthio-1,3-dithiane

2-Phenylthio-1,3-dithiane underwent VNS with various nitroarenes to provide para-dithianyl nitroarenes regiospecifically in good to excellent yields. The resulting nitroaryl dithianes were readily unmasked to the corresponding aldehydes.