Visible-light induced C(sp3)–S cross-coupling via electron donor–acceptor complexes and 1,2-hydrogen atom transfer

Abstract

Herein, we disclose a visible light-mediated protocol for the C(sp³)–S cross-coupling reaction via 1,2-hydrogen atom transfer. This metal- and photocatalyst-free protocol is based on electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes formed between benzenethiols and N-aroyloxyamides. It provides a unique approach for synthesizing valuable α-amidosulfides while avoiding the use of high temperature, transition metals and photocatalysts. Moreover, the synthetic potential of this transformation is demonstrated through the production of diverse α-amidosulfides in moderate to excellent yields, with its potential application value confirmed through the late-stage functionalisation of ibuprofen and a gram-scale experiment.