The reaction of symmetrical disulfides with the cyanide ion in various solvents has been investigated. The reaction modes may be summarized as follows:(1) Dialkyl disulfides and diaryl disulfides with electron-with-drawing substituents react with the cyanide ion in DMSO or DMF to give the corresponding monosulfides.(2) Diaryl disulfides with electron-donating substituents react with DMSO to yield aryl methyl sulfides.(3) Diaryl disulfides are cleaved ...