Iodine-promoted efficient synthesis of diheteroaryl thioethers via the integration of iodination/condensation/cyclization/dehydration sequences

A novel method for the construction of diheteroaryl thioethers from aromatic methyl ketones and thiourea is described. Iodine is the unique catalyst in this protocol. The transformation is free of foul-smell thiols and transition metal. In addition, this method could synthesize two thiazole rings and a sulfur bridge in one pot.