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DOI: 10.1055/a-2513-0725
Recent Advances in Deoxygenative Thioether Synthesis Using Oxygenated Sulfur Surrogates
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (15100022) and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery).

Abstract
Thioethers (sulfides) play a crucial role in therapeutics, diagnostics, and functional materials. Traditionally, their synthesis involved the use of thiols or their derivatives, which are associated with unpleasant odors and potential health risks. Recently, significant research has focused on employing oxygenated sulfur compounds, such as sulfinates, sulfonyl derivatives, sulfur oxyacids, and sulfoxides, as thiol surrogates for thioether synthesis. This review highlights recent advancements in deoxygenative thioether synthesis, categorizing them by reaction types, including cross-coupling reactions, C–H functionalization, and hydro/halo/oxy-thiolation of unsaturated hydrocarbons. We also discuss representative mechanisms to provide a comprehensive understanding of these innovative approaches.
1 Introduction
2 Cross-Coupling Reactions
3 C–H Functionalization
4 Hydro/Halo/Oxy-thiolation of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
5 Conclusion
Key words
thioetherification - thioether - sulfonyl derivative - sulfinate - sulfoxide - sulfur oxyacid - sulfidePublikationsverlauf
Eingereicht: 03. Dezember 2024
Angenommen nach Revision: 09. Januar 2025
Accepted Manuscript online:
09. Januar 2025
Artikel online veröffentlicht:
05. März 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
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