Forging C–S Bonds through Nickel-Catalyzed Aryl Anhydrides with Thiophenols: Decarbonylation or Decarbonylation Accompanied by Decarboxylation

A nickel-catalyzed decarbonylation or decarbonylation accompanied by decarboxylation cross-coupling reaction of aryl anhydrides with thiophenols as coupling partners was disclosed. This method is promoted by a commercially available, moisture-stable, and inexpensive nickel­(II) precatalyst. The process can tolerate a variety of functional groups using ubiquitous aryl anhydrides as cross-coupling precursors to produce thioethers in moderate to excellent yields.