One-Pot Catalyst-Free Synthesis of β- and γ-Hydroxy Sulfides Using Diaryliodonium Salts and Microwave Irradiation

A simple and rapid one-pot protocol is described for the preparation of alpha- and beta-hydroxy sulfides. The direct solvent-free microwave irradiation of diaryliodonium salts, potassium thiocyanate, and ethylene glycol/beta-propylene glycol without any catalyst or base affords the final compounds in good yields (65-95%) in around 10-25 min.