Magnetically recyclable Cu-BTC@Fe3O4 composite-catalyzed C(aryl)-S-P bond formation using aniline, P(O)H compounds and sulfur powder

A Cu-BTC@Fe3O4 composite was prepared and exhibited good catalytic activity toward the synthesis of S-aryl phosphorothioates. The three-component reaction involved the coupling of in situ generated aryl diazonium salts from aniline, R2P(O)H, and sulfur powder, allowing the facile and direct formation of C-(aryl)-S-P bonds. A broad scope of substrates survived the reaction conditions to afford the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. Moreover, this heterogeneous catalyst could be magnetically recovered and reused without significant loss of its activity after six cycles.