An eco-friendly sulfide transfer protocol is explored under a reductive Pd-catalyzed, Ni-mediated condition. Both experimental and theoretical results support the sulfide transfer over the aryl transfer. Late-functionalization of drugs and semiconducting materials highlight the importance of the method.
The reaction of 3-hexylthiophene with Knochel-Hauser base (TMPMgCl center dot LiCl) induced the metalation at the 5-position of the thiophene ring selectively. Following addition of several aryl halides in the presence of a nickel or palladium catalyst afforded regioselectively arylated thiophene in good to excellent yields.