C-S bond formation in aromatic substrates using Mn(II)-promoted montmorillonite clays

Direct introduction of -SCH3 groups into activated aromatic and hetero aromatic compounds has been achieved by reaction with dimethyldisulfide over a MnCl2-promoted K-10 montmorillonite. Unlike ZnCl2/K-10, the Mn- promoted clay appears to promote reaction by coordination of the aromatic substrate at the active site followed by attack of the disulfide at the activated aromatic.