Palladium-catalyzed convenient synthesis of thioesters from carboxylic acids and disulfides

Abstract

A novel palladium-catalyzed convenient synthesis of thioesters from various carboxylic acids and disulfides has been developed. Both aryl and alkyl carboxylic acids are capable of coupling with diaryl or dialkyl disulfides to afford the desirable thioesters in moderate to good yields. This methodology features easy accessibility of starting materials and a broad substrate scope, providing a practical route for thioester synthesis without toxic thiols or CO gas.