A General and Efficient Approach to Aryl Thiols: CuI-Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Sulfur and Subsequent Reduction

A CuI-catalyzed coupling reaction of aryl iodides and sulfur powder takes place in the presence of K(2)CO(3) at 90 degrees C. The coupling mixture is directly treated with NaBH(4) or triphenylphosphine to afford aryl thiols in good to excellent yields. A wide range of substituted aryl thiols that bear methoxy, hydroxyl, carboxylate, amido, keto, bromo, and fluoro groups can be assembled through this procedure.