Metal-Free Oxidative Trifluoromethylthiolation of Terminal Alkynes with CF3SiMe3 and Elemental Sulfur

A metal-free oxidative trifluoromethyl-thiolation of terminal alkynes using readily available CF3SiMe3 and elemental sulfur at room temperature has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient and convenient method for the preparation of alkynyl trifluoromethyl sulfides bearing a wide range of functional groups. Preliminary investigation revealed that elemental sulfur instead of air acted as the oxidant.