TBAI-Catalyzed/Water-Assisted Double C-S Bond Formations: An Efficient Approach to Sulfides through Metal-Free Three-Component Reactions

An aqueous catalytic method for double C-S bond formations that involves alcohol derivatives, organic halides, and sodium thiosulfate has been developed. A diverse range of functionalized sulfides, including pharmaceutical and biological derivatives, can be obtained in an efficient and eco-friendly manner under air. The mechanistic studies revealed that this tetrabutylammonium-iodide-catalyzed/water-assisted reaction generated a mercaptan species as the key intermediate.