Ni-Catalyzed Aryl Sulfide Synthesis through an Aryl Exchange Reaction

A Ni-catalyzed aryl sulfide synthesis through an aryl exchange reaction between aryl sulfides and a variety of aryl electrophiles was developed. By using 2-pyridyl sulfide as a sulfide donor, this reaction achieved the synthesis of aryl sulfides without using odorous and toxic thiols. The use of a Ni/dcypt catalyst capable of cleaving and forming aryl-S bonds was important for the aryl exchange reaction between 2-pyridyl sulfides and aryl electrophiles, which include aromatic esters, arenol derivatives, and aryl halides. Mechanistic studies revealed that Ni/dcypt can simultaneously undergo oxidative additions of aryl sulfides and aromatic esters, followed by ligand exchange between the generated aryl-Ni-SR and aryl-Ni-OAr species to furnish aryl exchanged compounds.

Automated summary

A Ni-catalyzed aryl sulfide synthesis method was developed using 2-pyridyl sulfide as the sulfide donor, eliminating the need for odorous and toxic thiols. The Ni/dcypt catalyst played a crucial role in the aryl exchange reaction between 2-pyridyl sulfides and aryl electrophiles, with mechanistic studies showing its ability to undergo oxidative additions and ligand exchanges simultaneously.