Nickel-catalyzed carbonylation of thioacetates with aryl iodides via CO insertion and C–S bond cleavage

Aryl thioesters are synthesized via nickel-catalyzed carbonylation of thioacetates with aryl iodides. Alkyl thioacetates undergo coupling with carbon monoxide and aryl iodides to produce the desired aryl thioesters in moderate yields. This catalytic carbonylative coupling process provides a cost-effective and direct approach for the preparation of useful thioesters.