Desulfurization with nickel and cobalt boride: scope, selectivity, stereochemistry, and deuterium-labeling studies

A variety of organosulfur compounds containing alkylthio and arylthio groups underwent reductive desulfurization under notably mild conditions when treated with nickel boride, generated in situ from nickel chloride hexahydrate and sodium borohydride in methanol-THF (3:1). Phenyl, chloro, and ester groups are not reduced under these conditions, while iodo, bromo, nitrile, aldehyde, ketone, cyclopropane, and olefinic functions are reduced either completely or partially. Deuterium-labeling studies indicate that the hydrogen that is incorporated into the product originates from both the sodium borohydride and the protic solvent, suggesting the intermediacy of dihydrogen. The epimers 3[alpha]- and 3[beta]-(phenylthio)cholestane afforded 3[alpha]- and 3[beta]-deuteriocholestane, respectively, demonstrating that the reaction proceeds with retention of configuration. The method may thus be employed for the stereospecific preparation of deuterated products from organosulfur compounds. Arguments are presented in support of a tentative mechanism involving an oxidative addition-reductive elimination sequence via a nickel hydride intermediate. 44 refs., 2 tabs.