Biocompatible C-S bond construction for diarylmethyl thioethers

We have developed a sustainable method for the construction of C-S bonds, in line with green chemistry principles, and modifiable for thiol-specific conjugation. Selecting p -quinone methides ( p -QMs) as partners, this methodology allows efficient preparation of diarylmethyl thioethers with broad thiol compatibility, exceptional chemo-selectivity, and stability. This process facilitates the large-scale preparation of diarylmethyl thioethers, and also enhances applications in bioconjugation, providing valuable tools for drug development and biomolecular engineering. Xie et al. report a biocompatible C-S bond construction method, which facilitates the large-scale preparation of diarylmethyl thioethers and enhances applications in bioconjugation.