Iron or boron-catalyzed C–H arylthiation of substituted phenols at room temperature

Abstract

A simple, efficient and environmentally friendly method for iron or boron-catalyzed C–H arylthiation of substituted phenols at room temperature has been developed, and the corresponding diaryl sulfides were prepared in good to excellent yields. The protocol uses readily available 1-(substituted phenylthio)pyrrolidine-2,5-diones as the arylthiation reagents and inexpensive and environmentally friendly FeCl₃ or BF₃·OEt₂ as the catalyst, moreover no ligands, additives or extrusion of air are required, and the reactions can be performed successfully at room temperature.