Iodine-catalysed versatile sulfenylation of indoles with thiophenols: controllable synthesis of mono- and bis-arylthioindoles

A versatile method for the synthesis of mono- and bis-arylthioindoles via I2 catalysed direct oxidative sulfenylation of indoles with thiophenols (especially mercaptobenzoic acids) has been presented. This system features environmental friendliness, easy operation, and mild reaction conditions, and shows a broad functional group tolerance furnishing good to excellent yields.