Synthesis of aryl sulfides via radical-radical cross coupling of electron-rich arenes using visible light photoredox catalysis.

Electron-rich arenes react with aryl and alkyl disulfides in the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ir(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtbpy)]PF6 and (NH4)2S2O8 under blue light irradiation to yield arylthiols. The reaction proceeds at room temperature and avoids the use of prefunctionalized arenes. Experimental evidence suggests a radical-radical cross coupling mechanism.