Technical InformationReactions of Aldehydes and KetonesDithioacetal Formation
Thiols, which are sulfur analogs to alcohols, undergo a reaction with aldehydes and ketones following the same mechanism as that described for alcohols. Instead of a proton catalyst, a Lewis acid such as BF3 or ZnCl2 is commonly employed in an ether solvent. This reaction yields thioacetals, the sulfur analogs of acetals, and is particularly effective for cyclic systems.