Transition-Metal-Free C-S Bond Formation: Synthesis of Polysubstituted Diaryl Sulfides and α-Thioarylcarbonyl Compounds.

A transition-metal-free protocol for the construction of C-S bonds has been developed. Acetylacetone acts as a new and green aryl source for the synthesis of polysubstituted diarylsulfides bearing a free hydroxy group and a ketone group, which provides a new access to a series of flavonoids containing a thioaryl group. In addition, a series of α-thioarylcarbonyl compounds are obtained in good to excellent yields.