Copper(II) mediated C–H methylthiolation of 2-phenyl pyridines with dimethyl sulfoxide using an amino acid ligand

A novel protocol for the C–H methylthiolation of 2-phenyl pyridines using DMSO as the methylthio source and an amino acid ligand is described. This simple procedure requires neither an oxidant nor additional solvent. The developed protocol tolerates a wide range of functional groups including methyl, methoxy, fluoro, chloro, and in particular the formyl group. This new strategy is highly regioselective and provides aryl methyl sulfides from 2-phenyl pyridines in moderate to good yields.