Metal-free oxidative C(sp3)-H bond thiolation of ethers with disulfides

Org Lett. 2013 Sep 20;15(18):4654-7. doi: 10.1021/ol402281f. Epub 2013 Aug 30.

Abstract

A novel method for the preparation of alkyl aryl sulfides through direct oxidation thiolation of commercial ethers with diaryl disulfides using di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the oxidant without a metal catalyst was established. The C(sp(3))-H bond in various ethers was successfully converted into a C-S bond, and the corresponding sulfides were achieved with moderate to high yields.