Visible-Light Mediated Arbuzov-Like Reaction with Thiophenols

We hereby disclose, a visible light mediated addition of sulfenyl radicals to trialkyl phosphites to access functionalized phosphorothioates. The use of cheap and readily available Eosin Y as a photocatalyst under mild energy efficient conditions bypassing the use of external oxidants forms the chief highlight of the work. The protocol is scalable and mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through an ionic-Arbuzov like pathway from phosphoranyl radicals.

Automated summary

In this study, we disclose a visible light mediated addition of sulfenyl radicals to trialkyl phosphites to obtain functionalized phosphorothioates. The use of cheap and readily available Eosin Y as a photocatalyst under mild and energy efficient conditions, without the need for external oxidants, is the key highlight of this work. The protocol is scalable and mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via an ionic-Arbuzov like pathway involving phosphoranyl radicals.