Cobalt nanoparticle catalyzed synthesis of α-thio-β-diketones via aerobic oxidative CS Cross-Coupling

Cobalt nanoparticle-supported on nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon derived from metal ionic liquids have been developed as heterogeneous catalysts for aerobic oxidative CS cross-coupling. This catalytic system allows the smooth conversion of various thiols and acetylacetones to corresponding α-thio-β-diketone derivatives under mild conditions. The preparation of the catalyst is simple and convenient, and it can be recycled for six times with negligible loss of activity. The cobalt nanoparticles were identified as catalytic active sites by catalyst characterisation and controlled experiments. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest a radical mechanism with disulfides as intermediates.