Organo disulfides represent an abundant class of compounds in chemical biology, pharmaceutical fields, and industry. They are traditionally synthesized by the oxidation of mercaptan in the presence of an organic ligand supported metal catalyst or toxic oxidants under harsh conditions. Here, we disclose a highly-efficient pathway in which disulfide is synthesized by organic boric acid and Na2S2O3 using the catalyst (NH4)3[CrMo6O18(OH)6], demonstrating a high activity and excellent selectivity. Various boric acid derivatives have been successfully transformed into the corresponding disulfides. Mechanistic insights have been furnished based on the observation of intermediate and control experiments.
