Trisulfides over disulfides: highly selective synthetic strategies, anti-proliferative activities and sustained HS release profiles

Temperature- and solvent-induced selective synthesis of trisulfides and disulfides is demonstrated. A remarkable selectivity was achieved using Na 2 S as a sulfur-transfer agent under mild, greener, catalyst-free and additive-free conditions. This study reveals trisulfides as a better model than disulfides in general for a sustained release of H 2 S and potent anti-cancer activities. Highly selective synthesis of trisulfides over disulfides is demonstrated along with their potential as anti-proliferative agents and sustained donors of H 2 S.