Direct synthesis of organothianthrenium salts under ball milling conditions

Abstract

We report a solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of organothianthrenium salts via direct C–H thianthrenation under ball-milling conditions. This approach eliminates the need for hazardous reagents, inert gas protection, and elaborate reaction setups while offering high efficiency and excellent functional group tolerance. The optimized conditions provide aryl and alkyl thianthrenium salts in high yields, demonstrating broad substrate scope and scalability. Comparative analysis highlights the method's environmental benefits, significantly reducing reaction time and waste generation. This mechanochemical strategy provides a sustainable and practical alternative for synthesizing valuable thianthrenium salts with diverse applications in synthetic chemistry.