Cs2CO3-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling of thiophenols with active methylene compounds

Abstract

A convenient and efficient α-sulfenylation of carbonyl compounds has been achieved via the halogen-free Cs₂CO₃-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of thiophenols with active methylene compounds using air as the oxidant under mild conditions. This transformation provides a straightforward route to the construction of carbon–sulfur bonds with wide functional group compatibility, which produces α-sulfenylated carbonyl compounds in up to 95% yield.