The Applications of Water as Reagents in Organic Synthesis

Water oxidation by Brønsted acid-catalyzed in situ generated thiol cation: dual function of the acid catalyst leading to transition metal-free substitution and addition reactions of S–S bonds

“…Water is one of the most abundant resources on Earth. Usually serving as a green solvent, coolant in chemical reactions, 1 or a useful reagent in hydration, hydrolysis, and related reactions, 2 water has been extensively used in laboratory and also the chemical industry. In comparison, water's oxidizing and reducing properties were greatly underestimated for a long time as water is usually not a good oxidant or reductant in organic reactions.…”