A new method for synthesis of S-aryl-O-alkyl thiolcarbonates: selenium-catalyzed reaction of alcohols with carbon monoxide and diaryl disulfides

A unique catalytic ability of selenium has been developed. When alcohols were allowed to react with diaryl disulfides in the presence of a catalytic amount of selenium under a pressurized carbon monoxide, S-aryl-O-alkyl thiolcarbonates were obtained in moderate to good yields.