Synthesis of trifluoromethylated thioethers via Ni-catalyzed reductive C-S coupling

The introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into sulfur-containing compounds would significantly alter the biochemical properties of the molecules. Reductive coupling has proven to be an exceptionally powerful strategy to construct C-C and C-X bonds. There are some reports of accessing various alpha-functionalized trifluoroalkanes via C-C bond forming reductive coupling, but C-X reductive coupling is still out of coverage. Herein, we report a concise and efficient Ni-catalyzed reductive C-S coupling, which enables access to a series of alpha-CF3 functionalized thioethers in good to excellent yields under mild conditions, with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Additionally, this protocol provides a new approach for subsequent trifluoromethylation modification of sulfur-containing organic structures.