Synthesis of benzyl sulfidesviasubstitution reaction at the sulfur of phosphinic acid thioesters

An ambident electrophilicity of phosphinic acid thioesters is disclosed. Unexpected carbon-sulfur bond formation took place in the reaction between phosphinic acid thioesters and benzyl Grignard reagents. The developed method for benzyl sulfides has a wide substrate scope and was applicable for the synthesis of a drug analog.