Methods for the direct synthesis of thioesters from aldehydes: a focus review

Direct C-H bond functionalization chemistry allows the pot-, atom-, and step-economical and original construction of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds starting from hydrocarbons (or hydrocarbon fragments) without requiring pre-functionalization of the starting materials. In this context, synthesis of biologically and synthetically important thioesters through direct thioesterification of aldehydes has recently attracted considerable attention from organic synthetic communities, because aldehydes are cheap and widely abundant chemical materials. This review highlights up-to-date developments and accomplishments in this interesting research arena with special emphasis on the mechanistic aspects of the reactions.