Humic acid as a natural catalyst for C–S bond construction: decarbonylative and decarboxylative thioether synthesis

Abstract

In this study, humic acid is introduced as a sustainable and green catalyst for C–S bond formation. Thioethers were synthesized via the reaction of thiols with aldehydes and carboxylic acids in dimethylformamide (DMF), where humic acid effectively facilitated the generation of stable thiyl and alkyl radicals. This method offers a mild, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach with broad functional group tolerance, highlighting the potential of humic acid as a practical catalyst in green organic synthesis.