What is "dithiolane"

n. (context organic compound English) Either of two isomeric saturated heterocycles containing three carbon atoms and two sulfur atoms

A dithiolane is a sulfur heterocycle derived from cyclopentane by replacing two methylene bridges (-- units) with thioether groups. The parent compounds are 1,2-dithiolane and 1,3-dithiolane.

1,2-Dithiolanes, such as lipoic acid, are cyclic disulfides.

1,3-Dithiolanes are important as protecting groups for carbonyl compounds, since they are inert to a wide range of conditions. Reacting a carbonyl group with 1,2-ethanedithiol converts it to a 1,3-dithiolane, as detailed below.