Cobalt-Catalyzed Four-Component Carbonylative Synthesis of γ-Thioesters and γ-Thioamides from Thioethers and Ethylene

Multicomponent carbonylative reactions have proven to be indispensable for constructing heterocycles and highly functionalized molecular frameworks and represent an attractive strategy for alkene functionalization. Herein, we report a cobalt-catalyzed four-component carbonylation of thioethers and ethylene gas with diverse nucleophiles, affording a series of γ-thioether amides and γ-thioether esters. The reaction features a broad substrate scope, good chemo- and regioselectivity, and excellent functional-group tolerance.