Aldiminium and 1,2,3-triazolium dithiocarboxylate zwitterions derived from cyclic (alkyl)(amino) and mesoionic carbenes.

The synthesis of zwitterionic dithiocarboxylate adducts was achieved by deprotonating various aldiminium or 1,2,3-triazolium salts with a strong base, followed by the nucleophilic addition of the in situ-generated cyclic (alkyl)(amino) or mesoionic carbenes (CAACs or MICs) onto carbon disulfide. Nine novel compounds were isolated and fully characterized by H and C NMR, FTIR, and HRMS techniques. Moreover, the molecular structures of two CAAC·CS and two MIC·CS betaines were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The analytical data recorded for all these adducts were compared with those reported previously for related NHC·CS betaines derived from imidazolinium or (benz)imidazolium salts. Due to the absence of electronic communication between the CS unit and the orthogonal heterocycle, all the CAAC·CS, MIC·CS, and NHC·CS zwitterions displayed similar electronic properties and featured the same bite angle. Yet, their steric properties are liable to ample modifications by varying the exact nature of their cationic heterocycle and its substituents.