Metal catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl and benzyl methyl sulfides: nickel catalyzed Caryl–Csp3 and Csp3–Csp3 bond formations

Abstract

The functionalization of C_Ar–SMe and C_sp³–SMe bonds by direct exchange of the sulfur atom with an activated sp³-carbon has been developed. Reactions with LiCH₂SiMe₃ in the presence of a Nickel catalyst proceed with good yields and allow the conversion of aryl and benzyl methyl sulfides to trimethylsilylated products which are valuable precursors for the synthesis of olefins, various alcohols and amines, diols and aromatic carboxylic acids.