Application of Sulfur Ylides in 1,2-Difunctionalization of Arynes via Insertion into a C-S σ-Bond.

A novel reactivity of sulfur ylides has been demonstrated in a transition-metal-free protocol to access ortho-substituted thioanisole derivatives by insertion of arynes into a C-S σ-bond in moderate to good yields. The reaction involves the formation of C-C and C-S bonds and consecutive breaking of two C-S bonds under operationally mild reaction conditions.