We developed a direct metal-free S-arylation
of
phosphorothioate diesters using diaryliodonium salts. The method allows
for the preparation under simple conditions of a broad range of S-aryl phosphorothioates, including complex molecules (e.g.,
dinucleotide or TADDOL derivatives), as well as other related organophosphorus
compounds arylated at a chalcogen. The reaction proceeds with a full
retention of the stereogenic center at the phosphorus atom, opening
convenient access to P-chiral products. The mechanism of the reaction
was established using DFT calculations.