An alternative approach towards the syntheses of thioethers and thioesters using CsF–Celite in acetonitrile

It has been found that syntheses of thioethers and thioesters of aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, bearing thiol groups, can be accomplished with alkyl, acyl, benzyl or benzoyl halides in acetonitrile and cesium fluoride–Celite. In this manner, compounds like ethanethiol, 1-pentanethiol, thiophenol, 4-methoxythiophenol, 4-nitrothiophenol, and 2-mercaptobenzoxazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and 2-mercapto-2-thiazoline can be successfully alkylated, acylated, benzylated or benzoylated. This procedure is convenient, efficient and practical for the preparation of thioethers and thioesters.