NH4I/1,10-phenanthroline catalyzed direct sulfenylation of N-heteroarenes with ethyl arylsulfinates

An efficient synthesis of N-heterocyclic aryl sulfides via NH₄I/1,10-phenanthroline-catalyzed direct sulfenylation reactions was reported. In this reaction, heteroarenes such as indoles, and pyrroles serve as nucleophiles by installing a arylthio group at the C3 and C2 position of heterocycles, respectively. With readily accessible and free of unpleasant odor ethyl arylsulfinates as sulfur reagents, the metal-free-catalyzed direct sulfenylation of N-heteroarenes has been developed. 3-Arylthio-indoles and 2-arylthio-pyrroles derivatives were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, even on gram scale. The reaction was general for a broad scope of substrates and demonstrated good tolerance to a variety of functional groups.