This relatively simple process uses only one amide solvent, and therefore spinning can be done directly after the polymer production.

The Cbz group of intermediate 3 is removed by hydrogenolysis to give an unsubstituted amide (4) and an aldehyde (5).

The reaction can be represented with the chemical equation 2 As 3 S As2S3Upon heating in a vacuum, polymeric As2S3 cracks to give a mixture of molecular species, including molecular As4S6.