Efficient Access to 1,4-Benzothiazine: Palladium-Catalyzed Double C–S Bond Formation Using Na2S2O3 as Sulfurating Reagent

Copper-promoted S-arylation reactions with triarylbismuths for the synthesis of diaryl sulfides

A simple approach for copper-promoted S-arylation reactions utilizing triarylbismuths or triarylantimonys as arylating reagents has been described. These reactions can be performed under mild conditions and exhibit remarkable functional group tolerance and chemoselectivity. The corresponding 2-arylthiopyridine 1-oxide derivatives and arylthioanilines/phenols have been successfully synthesized, achieving good to excellent yields across over 49 examples.

Carbene-Catalyzed Access to Thiochromene Derivatives: Control of Reaction Pathways via Slow Release of Thiols from Disulfides

Substrates containing disulfide bonds, which are more stable and less smelling, could be used as thiophenol precursors in organic synthesis. Herein, an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed reaction between α-bromoenals and 2,2'-dithiodibenzaldehydes was developed. Through the sustained release strategy, the side reaction can be effectively inhibited, and the chiral thiochromene derivatives can be obtained with good yields and high optical purities. Application studies showed encouraging results when the desired products were explored for antimicrobial utilities in pesticide development.

One-pot synthesis of 11-sulfenyl dibenzodiazepines via tandem sulfenylation/cyclization of o-isocyanodiaryl amines and diaryl disulfides

A one-pot sulfenylation/cyclization of o-isocyanodiaryl amines has been described for the preparation of 11-sulfenyl dibenzodiazepines. This AgI-catalyzed reaction covers an unexplored tandem process to give seven-membered N-heterocycles. This transformation shows a broad range of substrate scope, simple operation, and moderate to good yields under aerobic conditions. Diphenyl diselenide can also be produced in an acceptable yield.

Efficient Construction of Symmetrical Diaryl Sulfides via a Supported Pd Nanocatalyst-Catalyzed C-S Coupling Reaction

Aryl sulfides play an important role in pharmaceuticals, biologically active molecules and polymeric materials. Herein, a general and efficient protocol for Pd@COF-TB (a kind of Pd nanocatalyst supported by a covalent organic framework)/DIPEA-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of symmetrical diaryl sulfides through a C-S coupling reaction from aryl iodides and Na₂S₂O₃ is developed. More importantly, the addition of N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) can not only enhance the catalytic activity of a Pd@COF-TB nanocatalyst, but also effectively inhibit the formation of biphenyl byproducts, which are a product of Ullmann reaction. Besides, it has been confirmed that the aryl Bunte salts generated in situ from Na₂S₂O₃ and aryl iodides are the sulfur sources involved in this C-S coupling reaction. With the strategy proposed in this work, a variety of symmetrical diaryl sulfides could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields with a high tolerance of various functional groups. Moreover, a possible mechanism of this Pd nanoparticle-catalyzed C-S coupling reaction is proposed based on the results of controlling experiments.

Robust, scalable construction of an electrophilic deuterated methylthiolating reagent: facile access to SCD3-containing scaffolds

We have established a practical and concise method for the straightforward access of a universal deuterated methylthiolating reagent through a one-pot gram-scale operation under mild conditions. This odourless electrophilic SCD₃ reagent was widely applied to react with numerous representative nucleophiles and approached various valuable SCD₃ analogues with excellent levels of deuterium content (>99% D). The divergent further transformations were smoothly carried out to obtain the significant derivatives with different oxidative states in high efficiency.

Facile preparation of dihydro-1,4-benzothiazine derivatives via oxidative ring-expansion of 2-aminobenzothiazoles with olefins

A concise and efficient approach to prepare dihydro-1,4-benzothiazine derivatives is described via oxidative ring-expansion of 2-aminobenzothiazoles with olefins under metal-free conditions. This protocol is applicable for a wide range of readily accessible 2-aminobenzothiazoles and olefins with moderate-to-good yields. The [4+2] heteroannulation between the intermediacy of oxidative ring-opening of 2-aminobenzothiazoles and olefins is suggested to rationalize the formation of the product.

Copper-catalyzed thiocarbonylation and thiolation of alkyl iodides

In the present study, an efficient Cu-catalyzed transthiolation of alkyl iodides is developed. Notably, in the presence of CO, thioesters could also be obtained with copper and cobalt as the co-catalyst. This transformation displayed good functional group tolerance and afforded thioesters or sulfides from the corresponding alkyl iodides.

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of dithioacetals with diazo ketones and ketimines

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of various acyclic thioacetal derivatives and medium-size sulfur-containing heterocycles via copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of dithioacetals with diazo-ketones and ketimines was reported.

Copper catalyzed reaction of alcohols, alkyl halides and Na2S2O3: An odorless and ligand-free rout to unsymmetrical thioether synthesis

A CuI-catalyzed condensation reaction between alcohols, alkyl halides, and Na2S2O3 leading to structurally diverse thioethers is reported. A variety of alkyl halides and electron-rich benzyl alcohols were employed successfully in...

Brønsted acid-catalyzed solvent-controlled regioselective hydrothiolation and diastereoselective cascade cyclization of dienes

A highly regio- and diastereo-selective Brønsted acid-catalyzed tandem hydrothiolation/Friedel-Crafts reaction of linear 1,3-dienes has been developed for the first time, which provides a metal-free and atom-economic way of constructing thiochromane derivatives. Meanwhile, by changing the solvent, 4,3-addition hydrothiolation of 1,3-dienes was also discovered. The origin of the observed selectivity was explained by density functional theory calculations.

Palladium-catalyzed bisthiolation of terminal alkynes for the assembly of diverse (Z)-1,2-bis(arylthio)alkene derivatives

An efficient and straightforward palladium-catalyzed three-component cascade bisthiolation of terminal alkynes and arylhydrazines with sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) as the sulfur source for the assembly of functionalized (Z)-1,2-bis(arylthio)alkene derivatives is described. Using 0.5 mol% IPr–Pd–Im–Cl₂ as the catalyst, a wide range of terminal alkynes and arylhydrazines are well tolerated, thus producing the desired products in good yields with good functional group tolerance and excellent regioselectivity. Moreover, this protocol could be readily scaled up, showing potential applications in organic synthesis and material science.

An efficient palladium-catalyzed bisthiolation of terminal alkynes and arylhydrazines with Na₂S₂O₃ as the sulfur source for the assembly of (Z)-1,2-bis(arylthio)alkene derivatives is described.

Chemoselective Ullmann Reaction of α-Trisubstituted Thioamides: Synthesis of Novel 2-Iminobenzothiolanes

New classes of unexplored benzo[b]thiolanes are synthesized from trisubstituted thioamides through copper-catalyzed intramolecular S-arylation of thioamides for the first time. This method provides good to excellent yields with fully controlled chemoselectivity. Unusually, iminobenzo[b]thiolanes are very stable under mild acidic conditions. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the chemoselective S-arylation process.

Copper-catalyzed ortho-selective direct sulfenylation of N-aryl-7-azaindoles with disulfides

A copper-catalyzed direct C-H chalcogenation of N-aryl-azaindoles with disulfides is described. This transformation was performed using Earth abundant Cu(OAc)₂ as a catalyst, benzoic acid as an additive, air as a terminal oxidant, and readily available diaryl and dialkyldisulfides (or diselenide) as chalcogenation reagents. High functional group tolerance and excellent regioselectivity are demonstrated by the efficient preparation of a wide range of ortho-sulfenylation-7-azaindoles.

Metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation using sulfur surrogates

Sulfur-containing compounds are present in a wide range of biologically important natural products, drugs, catalysts, and ligands and they have wide applications in material chemistry. Transition metal-catalyzed C-S bond-forming reactions have successfully overcome the obstacles associated with traditional organosulfur compound syntheses such as stoichiometric use of metal-catalysts, catalyst-poisoning and harsh reaction conditions. One of the key demands in metal-catalyzed C-S bond-forming reactions is the use of an appropriate sulfur source due to its odor and availability. The unpleasant odor of many organic sulfur sources might be one of the reasons for the metal-catalyzed C-S bond-forming reactions being less explored compared to other metal-catalyzed C-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. Hence, employing an appropriate sulfur surrogate in the synthesis of organosulfur compounds in metal-catalyzed reactions is still of prime interest for chemists. This review explores the recent advances in C-S bond formation using transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and C-H bond functionalization using diverse and commercially available sulfur surrogates. Based on the different transition metal-catalysts, this review has been divided into three major classes namely (1) palladium-catalyzed C-S bond formation, (2) copper-catalyzed C-S bond formation, and (3) other metal-catalyzed C-S bond formation. This review is further arranged based on the different sulfur surrogates. Also, this review provides an insight into the growing opportunities in the construction of complex organosulfur scaffolds covering natural product synthesis and functional materials.

Polysulfuration via a Bilateral Thiamine Disulfurating Reagent

An efficient moduling disulfuration was developed for polysulfide construction via a bilateral six-membered thiamine disulfurating reagent. Under the control of energy release of ring strain, diverse unsymmetrical trisulfides and tetrasulfides were generated through the assembly of nucleophiles on both sides of the sulfur-sulfur motif. This strategy exhibits features of high efficiency, mild conditions, and general scope.

Regioselective Reversal Cyclization To Access either Eight-Membered Sulfur-Containing Heterocycle-Fused γ-Pyrones or 2-(1,4-Dithianyl)-4-pyrones from the Same Precursors

A regioselective reverse strategy for the construction of eight-membered sulfur-containing heterocycle-fused γ-pyrones and 2-(1,4-dithianyl)-4-pyrones starting from 2-diazo-γ-pyrones and dithioacetals was achieved for the first time. The process combines C-S bond formation via sulfur ylides and C-C bond formation via electron transfer to afford the target molecules in a facile manner with 100% regioselectivity and in excellent isolated yields (up to 90%).

Recent developments in palladium-catalyzed C–S bond formation

This review summarized the recent developments in palladium-catalyzed C–S bond formation involving sulfenylation and sulfonylation reactions.

Thiocarbonyl Surrogate via Combination of Potassium Sulfide and Chloroform for Dithiocarbamate Construction

An efficient and practical thiocarbonyl surrogate via combination of potassium sulfide and chloroform was established. A variety of dithiocarbamates were afforded along with four new chemical bond formations in a one-pot reaction in which the thiocarbonyl motif was generated in situ. Furthermore, these readily accessed molecules showed promising activity against HDAC8, opening a potential gateway to discover a new type of nonhydroxamate and isoenzyme-selective HDAC inhibitors.

Transition-Metal-Free Aryl-Heteroatom Bond Formation via C-S Bond Cleavage

Aryl-heteroatom bonds (C-Het) are almost ubiquitously present in chemical molecules. However, methods for diverse C-Het bond formations from a simple substrate are limited. Herein, we report a convenient and efficient C-S bond transformation of aryl sulfoniums to various C-Het bonds (C-O, C-S, C-Sn, C-Si, C-Se) in the absence of any transition-metal catalyst. These reactions proceeded in mild conditions with a wide substrate scope.

Aryl Methyl Sulfone Construction from Eco-Friendly Inorganic Sulfur Dioxide and Methyl Reagents

A three-component cross-coupling protocol of boronic acid, sodium metabisulfite, and dimethyl carbonate was developed for the construction of significant functional methyl sulfones, in which introduction of sulfur dioxide at the last stage was successfully achieved in one step. Inorganic sodium metabisulfite was used as an eco-friendly sulfur dioxide source. Green dimethyl carbonate was employed as methyl reagent in this transformation. Diverse functional methyl sulfones were obtained from various readily available boronic acids. Notably, the last-stage modification of pharmaceuticals and the synthesis of Firocoxib were efficiently established through this strategy.

Design and application of α-ketothioesters as 1,2-dicarbonyl-forming reagents

The 1,2-dicarbonyl motif is vital to biomolecules, especially natural products and pharmaceuticals. Conventionally, 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds are prepared via an α-keto acyl chloride. Based on the methods used in nature, a transition-metal-free approach for the synthesis of an α-ketothioester reagent via the combination of an α-hydroxyl ketone, elemental sulfur and a benzyl halide is reported. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the trisulfur radical anion and the α-carbon radical of the α-hydroxy ketone are involved in this transformation. The dicarbonylation of a broad range of amines and amino acids, and importantly, cross couplings with aryl borates to construct dicarbonyl-carbon bonds are realized under mild conditions by employing this stable and convenient α-ketothioester as a 1,2-dicarbonyl reagent. The dicarbonyl-containing drug indibulin and the natural product polyandrocarpamide C, which possess multiple heteroatoms and active hydrogen functional groups, can be efficiently prepared using the designed 1,2-dicarbonyl reagent.

Synthesis of Air-stable, Odorless Thiophenol Surrogates via Ni-Catalyzed C-S Cross-Coupling

Thiophenols are versatile synthetic intermediates whose practical appeal is marred by their air sensitivity, toxicity and extreme malodor. Herein we report an efficient catalytic method for the preparation of S-aryl isothiouronium salts, and demonstrate that these air-stable, odorless solids serve as user-friendly sources of thiophenols in synthesis. Diverse isothiouronium salts featuring synthetically useful functionality are readily accessible by nickel-catalyzed C-S cross-coupling of (hetero)aryl iodides and thiourea. Convenient, chromatography-free isolation of these salts is achieved by precipitation, allowing the methodology to be applied directly to large scales. Thiophenols are liberated from the corresponding isothiouronium salts upon treatment with a weak base, enabling an in situ release/S-functionalization strategy that entirely negates the need to isolate, purify or manipulate these noxious reagents.

Catalytic Regio- and Stereoselective Alkene Sulfenoamination for 1,4-Benzothiazine Synthesis

An alkene sulfenoamination reaction with 2-aminothiophenol is developed using iodide catalysis. This reaction renders access to useful 1,4-benzothiazines with good functional group compatibility including both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents. The reaction is proposed to proceed through an inversion of the polarity of the thiol functionality. Our mechanistic studies reveal that both thiiranium and thiyl radical pathways are plausible and that the disulfide reagent can also function as a viable substrate in this reaction.

Continuous-Flow Electrosynthesis of Benzofused S-Heterocycles by Dehydrogenative C-S Cross-Coupling

Reported herein is the synthesis of benzofused six-membered S-heterocycles by intramolecular dehydrogenative C-S coupling using a modular flow electrolysis cell. The continuous-flow electrosynthesis not only ensures efficient product formation, but also obviates the need for transition-metal catalysts, oxidizing reagents, and supporting electrolytes. Reaction scale-up is conveniently achieved through extended electrolysis without changing the reaction conditions and equipment.

Unsymmetrical Organotrisulfide Formation via Low-Temperature Disulfanyl Anion Transfer to an Organothiosulfonate

New methodology is presented for the formation of unsymmetrical organotrisulfides in a high yield and purity, relatively free of polysulfide byproducts. The highlight of the method is the low-temperature (-78 °C) deprotection of a disulfanyl acetate with sodium methoxide in THF to form a disulfanyl anion, which reacts rapidly in situ with an organothiosulfonate ( S-aryl or S-alkyl) within 30 seconds followed by quenching. The discovery of these new reaction conditions together with the relative greenness of the chemistry overall makes for an efficient protocol, from which a range of organotrisulfides covering aliphatic, aromatic, as well as cysteine and sugar groups can be accessed in a high yield and purity.