An electron donor–acceptor photoactivation strategy for the synthesis of S-aryl dithiocarbamates using thianthrenium salts under mild aqueous micellar conditions

An eco-friendly and convenient method is developed herein for the synthesis of S-aryl dithiocarbamates via visible-light-induced SET process of an EDA complex between thianthrenium salt functionalized arenes and dithiocarbamate anions under mild aqueous micellar conditions. This strategy indirectly realizes the method for constructing S-aryl dithiocarbamates through site-selective C−H functionalization of arenes. Most importantly, the reaction proceeded smoothly without addition of any photocatalyst, and the by-product thianthrene is recycled in quantity, ultimately minimizing the production of chemical waste. This protocol provides a promising synthesis candidate for the construction of valuable S-aryl dithiocarbamates, which also opens up a new avenue for micellar photocatalysis.