Gold-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organoiodides with Disulfides: Access to Aryl Sulfides and Vinyl Sulfide Derivatives

Thioethers and their derivatives play important roles in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. Herein, we report a hemilabile P,N-ligand-assisted gold-catalyzed C-S cross-coupling reaction of organoiodides with disulfides. In this reaction, alkyl or aryl disulfides react smoothly with aryl or vinyl iodides to afford a series of aryl sulfide and vinyl sulfide derivatives in good to excellent yields. The robust synthetic capabilities of thioether synthesis are exemplified by the readily available and easily handled reagents as well as the excellent compatibility with a wide range of functional groups.