Harnessing the catalytic behaviour of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP): An expeditious synthesis of thioesters

A novel, efficient, metal-, base-and acid-free straightforward protocol has been developed for the construction of useful thioesters. The immense catalytic potential of HFIP for promoting the thiocarbonylation of acyl halides and thiols is disclosed. HFIP was recovered with ease and reused for further reactions without any loss of reactivity. Both aryl and alkyl thiols bearing electron-donating and electron withdrawing groups as well as aryl-and alkyl acyl halides worked well in this reaction. Inexpensive precursors, short reaction time, obviating workup, high atom economy, and gram-scale preparation are the significant features of the developed eco-friendly route for S-carbonylation of thiols. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.