Samarium diiodide-mediated radical thioetherification of alkyl bromides with thiols by ruthenium catalysis

Abstract

A robust samarium diiodide-mediated radical thioetherification of alkyl bromides with thiols via ruthenium catalysis is reported. The synthesis of various alkyl–alkyl and alkyl–aryl thioethers could be achieved directly from alkyl bromides and thiols in only one step under base-free and additive-free conditions. The efficiency of this protocol has been qualified by broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the diverse syntheses of bioactive molecules could also be well tolerated.