Synthesis of a wide range of thioethers by indium triiodide catalyzed direct coupling between alkyl acetates and thiosilanes.

An indium triiodide-catalyzed substitution of the acetoxy group in alkyl acetates with thiosilanes provides access to a variety of thioethers. The method is efficient for a wide scope of acetates such as primary alkyl, secondary alkyl, tertiary alkyl, allylic, benzylic, and propargylic acetates.