Simple, efficient and recyclable catalytic system for performing copper-catalyzed C-S coupling of thiols with aryl iodides in PEG and PEG-H2O

A new protocol for the coupling of aryl iodides with thiophenols or alkanethiols is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by CUI-PEG or Cul-PEG-H2O system in the absence of ligands and volatile organic solvents. A variety of functionalized aryl sulfides are prepared in excellent yields. The isolation of the products is readily performed by the extraction with diethyl ether or petroleum ether, and the Cul-PEG catalyst can be reused without significant loss in activity. The simple catalytic system is economically competitive and environmentally friendly. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.