Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylation of unreactive C-H bonds: an overview of the last two decades

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylations of unreactive C-H bonds have become a unique and straightforward synthetic strategy in late-stage C-S bond formation of relevant complex molecules. Such transformations represent a breakthrough in modern synthetic organic chemistry, as they offer unusual reactivity patterns and avoid pre-functionalization of the starting materials. Despite inherent challenges in activating/functionalizing unreactive C-H bonds, a considerable number of different transition metals have shown the ability to selectively catalyze these processes toward C-S bond formation. In this sense, this review article covers the development and mechanistic analysis of the direct sulfanylation of Csp(3)-H and Csp(2)-H bonds through transition metal catalysed reactions in the last two decades, providing an essential guide for organic chemists working on this research area.

Automated summary

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylations of unreactive C-H bonds have revolutionized modern synthetic organic chemistry by providing unusual reactivity patterns and avoiding pre-functionalization of the starting materials. This review article covers the development and mechanistic analysis of these transformations in the last two decades, serving as an essential guide for organic chemists in this research area.