Cleavage of the C(O)–S Bond of Thioesters by Palladium/Norbornene/Copper Cooperative Catalysis: An Efficient Synthesis of 2‑(Arylthio)aryl Ketones

A Pd/norbornene/Cu cooperative catalysis for the efficient synthesis of 2-(arylthio)­aryl ketones from aryl halides and thioesters has been developed. The first example of cooperative catalysis by palladium, norbornene, and copper, wherein the C­(O)–S bond of thioesters is cleaved by a PdII palladacycle with the assistance of CuI, has been observed.