N-Chlorosuccinimide-promoted synthesis of thiophosphates from thiols and phosphonates under mild conditions

A very simple N-chlorosuccinimide-promoted synthesis of thiophosphates through the coupling of thiols and phosphonates is reported. Notably, the reactions were carried out in the absence of a base. Functional groups including fluoro, bromo and trifluoromethyl are all tolerated by the reaction conditions employed. Both aryl and alkyl thiols are coupled smoothly with a broad spectrum of phosphonates to afford the corresponding thiophosphates in good to excellent yields.