K₂CO₃-promoted aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of trialkyl phosphites with thiophenols

Convenient, practical and economical phosphorylation of thiols has been achieved via halogen- and metal-free K₂CO₃-promoted aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of trialkyl phosphites, dimethyl phenylphosphonite, or methyl diphenylphosphinite with thiophenols using air as the oxidant at room temperature. This transformation provides a straightforward route to the construction of phosphorus–sulfur bonds with wide functional group compatibility, which affords phosphorothioates in up to 94% yield.