Copper-Catalyzed direct thioetherification of Alkyl Halides with S-Alkyl Butanethioate as Thiol transfer reagent

A new and convenient copper-catalyzed synthesis of alkyl sulfides has been accomplished using S-alkyl butanethioate as a thiol source. This catalytic protocol displayed a good functional groups tolerance and high efficiency. Both secondary and primary alkyl iodides can be used in this procedure. In addition, this method features operational simplicity and a wide substrate range, providing a complementary method for alkyl sulfide synthesis without requiring toxic thiols and noble metals.