Cu(OTf)2-Catalyzed 1,2,3-triazole-ring-controlled selective phenolic O–H bond methylthiomethylation

Copper-catalyzed selective methylthiomethylation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole phenols using DMSO as a methylthiomethylation reagent was achieved. Controlled by the triazole ring, the ortho-phenolic hydroxyl in N(1) aryl can be selectively methylthiomethylated, generating functionalized 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles bearing aryl methylthiomethyl ether fragment.