Ni-Catalyzed Aryl Thioester Synthesis via Thioester Transfer Reaction

A nickel-catalyzed thioester transfer reaction using thioesters and aryl iodides was realized, utilizing simple and readily available thioesters as the sulfur source without smelly thiols and toxic carbon monoxide gas. The thioester transfer reaction involves two oxidative additions with Ni(0): C-S bond of the aromatic ester and C-I bond of haloarenes, and the two resulting intermediates undergoe a functional group exchange reaction to afford the new thioester. Furthermore, this approach features mild conditions and operational simplicity, providing a practical route for thioester synthesis.