Convenient and robust one-pot synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical benzyl thioethers from benzyl halides using thiourea

Abstract

A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical benzyl thioethers have been synthesised using a onepot reaction from benzyl halides and thiourea. This procedure avoids the isolation or handling of malodorous thiols and generates high yields of benzyl thioethers in excellent purity.