Newman-Kwart Rearrangement of O-Aryl Thiocarbamates: Substantial Reduction in Reaction Temperatures through Palladium Catalysis

Much cooler: The development of a catalyst for the Newman–Kwart rearrangement allows an escape from the harsh thermal conditions of the standard uncatalyzed reaction (see scheme). Mechanistic investigations, employing kinetic, isotopic labelling (2H, 18O, 34S) and DFT studies, suggest that the reaction proceeds through a five‐centred Pd–S coordinated oxidative addition, with intermolecular exchange of aryl and thiocarbamate moieties through dimerization of the resting state.