Palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction of carboxylic acids with thiols: An alternative strategy to access thioesters

A practical and alternative approach to access thioesters is presented, utilizing readily available starting precursors such as carboxylic acids and thiols via direct reductive C-S cross-coupling reactions under palladium catalysis. The present protocol features good atom economy, excellent yields, wide functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, operational simplicity, and mild reaction conditions with no additional steps.