The C(sp)-H bond functionalization of thioethers with styrenes with insight into the mechanism

A metal-free inactive C(sp 3 )-H bond functionalization of thioethers with styrenes using TBHP as an initiator and DBU as a base has been developed. This transformation has broken through the low activity of thioethers and realized moderate yields. Herein extended experiments were conducted to confirm the radical relay process, reaction energy and intermediate transformations. Overcoming the low reactivity of thioethers, a C(sp 3 )-H bond functionalization of thioethers with styrenes using TBHP and DBU involving a radical relay process in metal-free conditions with theoretical questions elaborated is described.