Synthesis of Functionalized Diaryl Sulfides by Cobalt-Catalyzed Coupling between Arylzinc Pivalates and Diaryl Disulfides

An efficient protocol for the cobalt-catalyzed preparation of diaryl sulfides from solid organozinc pivalates and commercially available diaryl disulfides is reported. This cross-coupling proceeds at room temperature and displays a good functional group tolerance, allowing the preparation of a diversity of symmetrical or asymmetrical diaryl sulfides in 60–95% yield.