Ketone Synthesis under Neutral Conditions. Cu(I) Diphenylphosphinate-Mediated, Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling of Thiol Esters and Organostannanes

A versatile approach to ketone synthesis is described. The reaction relies on the palladium-catalyzed, copper diphenylphosphinate-mediated coupling of thiol esters with organostannanes under neutral reaction conditions. This reaction complements the previously described coupling of thiol esters with boronic acids that used dual thiophilic−borophilic activation methodology.