Efficient nickel/N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed C-S cross-coupling

The cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with aliphatic and aromatic thiols catalyzed by readily available Ni(OAc)2 with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is reported. Ni(OAc)2/NHC catalyst showed good activities toward various aryl halides in C-S coupling reaction, even with aryl chlorides. Reactions occurred in excellent yields, broad scope, and high tolerance of functional groups.