A green and efficient protocol for the construction of C-S bonds via the 1,4-addition reaction of quinoneimides with thiophenols and alkyl mercaptans has been developed. The transformation proceeds smoothly under mild and operationally simple conditions, facilitated by ultrasonic irradiation without the need for any metal catalysts or external chemical oxidants. This method enables rapid and efficient access to a range of aryl and alkyl sulfide derivatives in good yields. Notably, the reaction features readily available starting materials, straightforward manipulation, and an environmentally benign profile, underscoring its sustainability and synthetic utility.
Ji et al. (Wed,) studied this question.