Metal-free O–H/C–H difunctionalization of phenols by o-hydroxyarylsulfonium salts in water

Abstract

An environmentally benign method for C-H/O-H difunctionalization of phenols with sulfoxides under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction process is mediated by an electrophilic aromatic substitution and subsequent selective aryl or alkyl migration, involving C-S and C-O bond formations with broad substrate scope.