C–S cross-couplings are an important class of reactions applied across organic synthesis,
materials science, and pharmaceuticals. Several different methodologies have been
developed to achieve this significant transformation. However, currently available
synthetic procedures significantly rely on transition metals. This article describes
historical developments in the field of transition-metal-catalyzed C–S cross-coupling
reactions, the development of a visible-light-driven and catalyst-free approach to
C–S bond formation, and future outlooks.
Key words
C–S cross-coupling - transition-metal-free - photochemistry - charge transfer - late-stage
functionalization - electron donor–acceptor complex