A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical benzyl thioethers have been synthesised using a onepot reaction from benzyl halides and thiourea. This procedure avoids the isolation or handling of malodorous thiols and generates high yields of benzyl thioethers in excellent purity.

In an environmentally friendly protocol, InI was used as a reducing agent for the Se-Se bond to prepare unsymmetrical diorganyl selenides with very short reaction times, mild conditions and excellent yields using (bmim)BF(4) as a recyclable solvent.

The asymmetric synthesis of chiral polycyclic ethers by an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition is described.

Sabine Bognar and Manuel van Gemmeren from the WWU Münster have been invited to contribute cover of this issue. The image depicts a volcano symbolize general theme sulfur chemistry, whereas piles rubble reflect selectivity reaction. Read full text article at 10.1002/chem.202004835.