C-H bond oxidation initiated pummerer- and Knoevenagel-type reactions of benzyl sulfide and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.

A novel Pummerer-type reaction was developed via o-chloranil-mediated C-H bond oxidation. The reaction provides a simple and efficient method to construct sulfide derivatives. A Knoevenagel-type reaction was also achieved via multiple C-H bonds activation under neutral reaction conditions.