Visible light-induced C(sp3)–S bond formation

Abstract

The thiolation of C(sp³)–H with thioacids is for the first time reported through a new visible light-induced radical relay strategy. This strategy features metal-free and additive-free conditions, excellent atom economy, and high yields (up to 98%). The present methodology shows good functional group tolerance such as cyanos, halogens, or heterocycles and could be further applied to the one-pot preparation of ketones from thioacids by a tandem photocatalytic radical coupling reaction and the Liebeskind–Srogl cross-coupling reaction.