Functionalization of Primary C–H Bonds in Picolines toward Pyridylthioamides

We report a method for coupling of nitroarenes, 2- or 4-methylazaarenes, and elemental sulfur to afford (2-pyridyl)aryl thioamides. Good tolerance of functionalities was observed, including primary and secondary amines, bromo, iodo, ester, and boronic ester groups. Thioamides derived from pyrazole, thiazole, quinoline, quinoxalines, and azoles were obtained in good yields, showing the compatibility of heterocycles. This appears to be a general method to obtain pyridyl thioamides in one step from commercial, simple substrates.Synthesis of pyridylthioamides from simple, commercial substrates such as nitroarenes and 2-/4-methylazaarenes has been developed. The reactions only required DABCO base in the absence of any solvents. A wide range of functionalities could be tolerated, thus showing the generality of our method.