Catalytic Synthesis of 3-Thioindoles Using Bunte Salts as Sulfur Sources under Metal-Free Conditions

Visible Light-Induced Energy Transfer Mediated Regioselective C-3 Thiolation of Imidazoheterocycles using Bunte Salts

An external-photocatalyst-free visible light-induced regioselective C-3 sulfenylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using Bunte salts has been accomplished via C(sp2)-H functionalization. This protocol allows the coupling of a wide range of imidazoheterocycles with alkyl-, benzyl-, and aryl Bunte salts under ambient air as the sole oxidant. The radical scavenging, UV-visible spectroscopic studies, and Stern-Volmer experiments revealed that the reaction occurs through energy transfer followed by a radical SET pathway. In this work, the dual role of imidazopyridines as photoexciting species and as energy transfer vehicle is proposed. Activation of the triplet oxygen as a result of energy transfer, which acts on somophlic Bunte salts to generate thiyl radical, eventually resulting in the C(sp2)-H functionalization.

Iodine-Catalyzed Regioselective C-3 Chalcogenation of 7-Azaindoles: Access to Benzothiophene-Fused 7-Azaindole Analogs

An iodine-catalyzed method has been reported for efficient regioselective C-3 sulfenylation, selenylation, thiocyanation, and selenocyanation of NH-free 7-azaindoles using thiophenols, diselenides, potassium thiocyanates, and selenocyanates, respectively. This approach showcases high efficiency and remarkable versatility, facilitating the synthesis of diverse chalcogenated 7-azaindoles. Additionally, the sulfenylated derivatives have been further diversified to generate a new array of benzothiophene-fused 7-azaindole cores of pharmaceutical interest. The synthetic flexibility of this protocol has been highlighted through the gram-scale synthesis of sulfonylated 7-azaindole-based bioactive 5-HT6 receptor agonists.

Recent Advances of C-S Coupling Reaction of (Hetero)Arenes by C-H Functionalization

Organic sulfur compounds encompass a vast and diverse variety of species that possess unique biological activity due to the presence of sulfur atoms or sulfur-containing functional groups. These compounds are widely present in natural products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and functional materials. In recent years, numerous sulfur-containing compounds such as thiols, thioethers, disulfides, thiourea, dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfonates and their derivatives, as well as sulfur-containing inorganic compounds, have been utilized as coupling agents to synthesize (hetero)aryl sulfides via C-H Functionalization. These novel transformations provide effective methods for constructing C-S bond of (hetero)arenes, while also expanding the scope of (hetero)aryl sulfides with the potential biological activity. Therefore, the synthesis of aryl sulfides through C-H bond functionalization has attracted widespread attention. This review mainly focuses on the construction of (hetero)aryl sulfides via C-H bond functionalization since 2015. We hope this review offers a useful conceptual overview and inspires further advancements in the efficient construction of C-S bonds.

Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Trisulfides from S-Substituted Sulphenylthiosulphates

Trisulfide unit is widely found in natural products and has garnered attention due to the unique pharmacological and physiochemical properties. However, despite limited progress, widely applicable approaches for constructing unsymmetrical trisulfides have so far remain scarce. In this work, an easy-to-prepare, solid-state and scalable reagent, S-substituted sulphenylthiosulphate, has been developed for the divergent synthesis of unsymmetrical trisulfides. Alkyl electrophile substrates, including bromides, chlorides, iodides and tosylates, with diverse substituents are smoothly converted to the corresponding trisulfides with S-substituted sulphenylthiosulphates and thiourea as another sulfur source. Furthermore, the late-stage modification of drug molecules was successfully achieved through this method.

One-Pot Synthesis of Benzoazole-Substituted Thioenamines via a Cross Dehydrogenation Coupling (CDC) Reaction

An iodine-catalyzed synthesis of benzoazole-substituted thioenamines in a one-pot manner was reported. Using 2-aminothiophenols (or 2-aminophenols or 1,2-phenylenediamines), tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), and enamines (mainly indoles) as starting materials, the target C(sp²)-S formation products (benzoazole-substituted thioenamines) could be furnished smoothly in good yields. The reaction might proceed through an electrophilic substitution pathway in a cross dehydrogenation coupling (CDC) manner. The protocol is metal-free and features easy performance, a one-pot manner, a good functional group tolerance, and good yields.

TBAI-assisted direct C-H activation of indoles with β-E-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides: a stereoselective access to 3-styryl thioindoles

The current work describes the challenging introduction of a vinyl sulfide group by simple C-H activation on a variety of substrates. The direct C-H activation of indoles with β-(E)-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides under the sulfenylation conditions, assisted by the iodic catalyst tert-butyl ammonium iodide (TBAI), afforded a series of (E)-styrylthioindoles. Accordingly, β-(E)-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides undergo radical cross-coupling reactions with a variety of substituted indoles to afford structurally diverse indole vinyl thioethers in moderate to high yields with E-stereoselectivity. This method is metal-catalyst-free and is valuable not only because of its novelty, but also for providing a convenient synthetic pathway to a variety of (E)-styrylthioindoles with retention of the configuration. The current study paves the way for the use of β-(E)-styrene sulfonyl hydrazides as a unique styryl mercaptan source in chemical synthesis.

Selective synthesis of α-organylthio esters and α-organylthio ketones from β-keto esters and sodium S-organyl sulfurothioates under basic conditions

We described herein a selective method to prepare α-organylthio esters and α-organylthio ketones by the reaction of β-keto esters with sodium S-benzyl sulfurothioate or sodium S-alkyl sulfurothioate (Bunte salts) under basic conditions in toluene as the solvent at 100 °C. When 4 equivalents of a base were used, a series of differently substituted α-thio esters were obtained with up to 90% yield. On the other hand, employing 2 equivalents of a base, α-thio ketones were achieved after 18 h under air. Furthermore, after a shorter reaction time, the isolation of keto-enol tautomers was possible, revealing them as significant intermediates for the mechanism elucidation.

Iodine-catalyzed thioallylation of indoles using Bunte salts prepared from Baylis-Hillman bromides

Metal-free iodine-catalyzed regioselective thioallylation of indoles has been accomplished at room temperature using Bunte salts prepared from Baylis-Hillman bromides. The resulting multi-functional C3 thioallylated indoles exhibit ample structural diversity and good functional group tolerance.

Recent Advances in Iodine-Promoted C-S/N-S Bonds Formation

Sulfur-containing scaffold, as a ubiquitous structural motif, has been frequently used in natural products, bioactive chemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly C-S/N-S bonds are indispensable in many biological important compounds and pharmaceuticals. Development of mild and general methods for C-S/N-S bonds formation has great significance in modern research. Iodine and its derivatives have been recognized as inexpensive, environmentally benign and easy-handled catalysts or reagents to promote the construction of C-S/N-S bonds under mild reaction conditions, with good regioselectivities and broad substrate scope. Especially based on this, several new strategies, such as oxidation relay strategy, have been greatly developed and accelerated the advancement of this field. This review focuses on recent advances in iodine and its derivatives promoted hybridized C-S/N-S bonds formation. The features and mechanisms of corresponding reactions are summarized and the results of some cases are compared with those of previous reports. In addition, the future of this domain is discussed.

Iodine-Catalyzed Synthesis of 3-Arylthioindoles Employing a 1-Aryltriazene/CS2 Combination as a New Sulfenylation Source

A practical approach for the regioselective synthesis of 3-arylthioindoles has been accomplished using a combination of 1-aryltriazene/CS₂ as a new sulfenylation source. The methodology employs molecular iodine as a catalyst and is compatible with a variety of structurally diverse reactants.

Tritylium assisted iodine catalysis for the synthesis of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes

The combined Lewis acid catalytic system, generated from molecular iodine and tritylium tetrafluoroborate effectively catalyzed the Friedel-Crafts (FC) arylation of diarylmethyl sulfides providing an efficient access to various unsymmetrical triarylmethanes. The addition of tritylium and iodine created a more active catalytic system to promote the cleavage of sulfidic C-S bonds.

Regioselective deoxygenative chalcogenation of 7-azindole N-oxides promoted by I2/PEG-200

We developed a general and sustainable approach for the regioselective deoxygenative chalcogenation of 7-azindole N-oxides; the combination of an internal oxidant and a green solvent has been used successfully for the synthesis of mono- and dichalcogenyl 7-azaindoles which are of pharmaceutical interest. The regioselectivity is tunable by the variation of the reaction conditions. I2/PEG was established as an efficient and reusable catalytic system for C-H chalcogenation. This developed methodology has great potential for practical utility, with a broad substrate scope, green reaction conditions, and operational simplicity.

Organophosphorus-Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Sulfonyl Chlorides: Electrophilic (Fluoroalkyl)sulfenylation by PIII /PV =O Redox Cycling

A method for electrophilic sulfenylation by organophosphorus-catalyzed deoxygenative O-atom transfer from sulfonyl chlorides is reported. This C-S bond-forming reaction is catalyzed by a readily available small-ring phosphine (phosphetane) in conjunction with a hydrosilane terminal reductant to afford a general entry to sulfenyl electrophiles, including valuable trifluoromethyl, perfluoroalkyl, and heteroaryl derivatives that are otherwise difficult to access. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the twofold deoxygenation of the sulfonyl substrate proceeds by the intervention of an off-cycle resting state thiophosphonium ion. The catalytic method represents an operationally simple protocol using a stable phosphine oxide as a precatalyst and exhibits broad functional-group tolerance.

KIO3-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction: sulfenylation of phenol and arylamine derivatives in water at room temperature

A metal-free direct sulfenylation of phenol and arylamine derivatives with various heterocyclic thiols and thiones using a cross dehydrogenative coupling protocol in water at room temperature has been developed.

Iodine-catalyzed guanylation of amines withN,N′-di-Boc-thiourea

Iodine-catalyzed guanylation of amines withN,N′-di-Boc-thiourea is especially useful for both electronically and sterically deactivated primary anilines.

Bunte Salt CH2FSSO3Na: An Efficient and Odorless Reagent for Monofluoromethylthiolation

A practical and efficient monofluoromethylthiolation that employs the typical Bunte salt, sodium S-(fluoromethyl) sulfurothioate, as the sulfur source is described. This reagent reacts readily with a variety of aryl amines and aryl thiols. The high tolerance of functional groups demonstrates the potential of this reaction. In addition, this method is suitable for the late-stage monofluoromethylthiolation of complex bioactive molecules.

Metal-free Chlorothiolation of Alkenes using HCl and Sulfoxides

We report a novel method for the chlorothiolation of alkenes using HCl and sulfoxides to achieve the 1,2-difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes. The combination of our new HCl reagent (HCl/DMPU) with sulfoxides forms a unique chlorothiolation system. Both terminal and internal alkenes are suitable substrates. This method works at gram scale and is applicable in further synthetic elaborations.

Selective S-arylation of 2-oxazolidinethiones and selective N-arylation of 2-benzoxazolinones/2-benzimidazolinones

There exist three possible patterns for the reaction of cyclic 2-oxazolidinethione and 2-benzoxazolidinethione with arynes, namely (a) S-arylation, (b) N-arylation, and (c) aryne insertion into the thiocarbonyl group (C[double bond, length as m-dash]S). Our studies demonstrate that S-arylation wins out affording S-aryl dihydrooxazoles. In contrast, for related reactions of cyclic 2-benzoxazolinone and 2-benzimidazolinone with arynes, it is found that N-arylation outcompetes O-arylation and aryne insertion into the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O group to give N-aryl 2-benzoxazolinones and N-aryl 2-benzimidazolinones.

Metal-free C-H thioarylation of arenes using sulfoxides: a direct, general diaryl sulfide synthesis

Metal-free C-H thioarylation of arenes and heteroarenes using methyl sulfoxides constitutes a general protocol for the synthesis of high value diaryl sulfides. The coupling of arenes and heteroarenes with in situ activated sulfoxides is regioselective, uses readily available starting materials, is operationally simple, and tolerates a wide range of functional groups.

Transition-metal-free KI-catalyzed regioselective sulfenylation of 4-anilinocoumarins using Bunte salts

An efficient and eco-friendly protocol for the KI-catalyzed regioselective sulfenylation of 4-anilinocoumarins with Bunte salts was established under metal-free conditions.

Iodine-catalyzed synthesis of N,N′-diaryl-o-phenylenediamines from cyclohexanones and anilines using DMSO and O2 as oxidants

An I₂/DMSO system has been successfully applied to synthesize N,N′-diaryl-o-phenylenediamines from cyclohexanones for the first time.

A thiol-free synthesis of alkynyl chalcogenides by the copper-catalyzed C–X (X = S, Se) cross-coupling of alkynyl carboxylic acids with Bunte salts

A thiol-free protocol is developed for the copper-catalyzed C–X (X = S, Se) cross-coupling of alkynyl carboxylic acids with Bunte salts.

Iodine/DMSO oxidations: a contemporary paradigm in C–N bond chemistry

A new era in the organic synthetic world is demanding greener protocols for the execution of reactions.

Dual vicinal functionalisation of heterocycles via an interrupted Pummerer coupling/[3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement cascade

A dual vicinal functionalisation cascade involving the union of heterocycles and allyl sulfoxides is described. In particular, the approach provides efficient one-step access to biologically relevant and synthetically important C3 thio, C2 carbo substituted indoles. The reaction operates under mild, metal free conditions and without directing groups, via an interrupted Pummerer coupling of activated allyl sulfoxides, generating allyl heteroaryl sulfonium salts that are predisposed to a charge accelerated [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.