Reduction of sulfur with borohydride exchange resin in methanol: application to rapid and selective synthesis of disulfides

A convenient and rapid method for the synthesis of symmetrical disulfides from alkyl or aryl alkyl halides using sulfurated borohydride exchange resin (SBER) under anhydrous conditions is described. Selective transfer of sulfur to an alkyl group rather than an aryl group is achieved using this methodology.