Nickel(II)‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Xanthate Esters with Sulfur‐Containing and Selenium‐Containing Compounds: Synthesis of Unsymmetric Sulfides and Selenides.

Comprehensive Summary Unsymmetric sulfides and selenides have great applications in the pharmaceutical field. Herein, we describe the reductive coupling reaction of xanthate esters with sulfur‐containing and selenium‐containing compounds (thio(seleno)sulfonates and disulfides(selenides)) under the nickel‐catalyzed condition. It provides a mild and effective method for the synthesis of unsymmetric sulfides and selenides which has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high yields and a wide range of substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]