A Robust Pd-Catalyzed C-S Cross-Coupling Process Enabled by Ball-Milling

An operationally simple mechanochemical C-S coupling of aryl halides with thiols has been developed. The reaction process operates under benchtop conditions without the requirement for a (dry) solvent, an inert atmosphere, or catalyst preactivation. The reaction is finished within 3 h. The reaction is demonstrated across a broad range of substrates; the inclusion of zinc metal has been found to be critical in some instances, especially for coupling of alkyl thiols.