Aqueous Reaction of Alcohols, Organohalides, and Odorless Sodium Thiosulfate under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Aryl Sulfides via Dual C-S Bond Formation.

A transition-metal-free process for the synthesis of unsymmetrical aryl sulfides via dual C-S bond formation by a one-pot three-component reaction of alcohols, organohalides, and odorless sodium thiosulfate in water has been developed. In addition, the aryl sulfides could also be prepared by the reaction of the corresponding alcohols and Bunte salts under the identical conditions. This protocol provides a green and efficient manner for the construction of various unsymmetrical aryl sulfides.