Catalyst-Free and Base-Free Water-Promoted SNAr Reaction of Heteroaryl Halides with Thiols

A simple and efficient route for the synthesis of biaryl sulfides have been developed in aqueous medium under base- and catalyst-free conditions. A wide variety of heteroaryl halides and thiols underwent SNAr reaction to provide diaryl sulfides in good to excellent yields. The remarkable key features of the reaction include the use of water as an inexpensive and environmentally benign reaction medium, absence of any additional reagent or catalyst, and easy isolation of the products.