Synthesis of a Wide Range of Thioethers by Indium Triiodide Catalyzed Direct Coupling between Alkyl Acetates and Thiosilanes

An indium triiodide-catalyzed substitution of the acetoxy group in alkyl acetates with thiosilanes provides access to a variety of thioethers. The method is efficient for a wide scope of acetates such as primary alkyl, secondary alkyl, tertiary alkyl, allylic, benzylic, and propargylic acetates.