Direct C-S bond formation: Via C-O bond activation of phenols in a crossover Pd/Cu dual-metal catalysis system

A dual-metal catalysis system including a newly prepared nanoparticle [SiO 2 @organic-linker(OL)@Pd (II) ] and CuI was introduced with ultra-high catalytic activity (high turnover number (TON), up to 19000) to a one-pot and odorless synthesis of unsymmetrical aryl sulfides by crossover C-S bond formation. The reaction proceeds via C-O bond activation of phenols and direct C-S bond formation in the presence of S 8 as an oddorless sulfur source and aryl boronic acids under mild conditions (room temperature). The catalyst could be recycled up to five times without an obvious change in its activity. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.