Direct oxidative coupling of thiols and benzylic ethers via C(sp3)-H activation and C-O cleavage to lead thioesters

An unprecedented C-S formation method via direct oxidative C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization and C-O cleavage of benzylic ethers was developed. Various thioesters including thioester structure containing drug intermediates could be achieved by this convenient, metal and base free method in satisfactory yields.