Pd(OAc)₂/Xantphos Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Sulfonyl Chlorides: Synthesis of Thioethers by Sulphur Dioxide Extrusion

Abstract

Herein, we reported a successful cross coupling of aryl sulfonyl chlorides to forge thioether skeleton via Pd catalysis. This transformation proceeded in the presence of Xantphos. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated dual roles of Xantphos: (i) a reductant that reduced sulfonyl radical to thio radical; (ii) a ligand that promotes coupling reactions.