Aerobic Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions for Selective Mono- and Dithiolation of Phenols

A highly efficient strategy for the direct thiolation of phenols under transition metal-free and solvent-free conditions has been developed. These reactions are operationally simple with employing air (molecular oxygen) as an ideal oxidant and can selectively provide mono- and dithiolation products in good to excellent yields under basic conditions. The reaction tolerates a broad range of aryl thiols and arenes and is especially applicable for large-scale synthesis.

Automated summary

A highly efficient strategy has been developed for the direct thiolation of phenols under transition metal-free and solvent-free conditions. The reactions are operationally simple and employ air as an ideal oxidant, providing mono- and dithiolation products in good to excellent yields under basic conditions. This method tolerates a broad range of aryl thiols and arenes, making it especially applicable for large-scale synthesis.