Ascorbic Acid Promoted Metal-Free Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides with Anilines Nitrosated in Situ by tert-Butyl Nitrite

A mild, metal-free synthesis of aryl sulfides has been disclosed. Aryl diazonium ion was generated by the in situ nitrosation of aniline, and it was reduced by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form aryl radical, which underwent a thiolation with disulfide to yield aryl sulfide. The reaction proceeded smoothly without heating or irradiation. This strategy was also expanded to the synthesis of aryl selenides.