Iron-catalyzed thioesterification of methylarenes with thiols in water

An iron-catalyzed coupling reaction of methylarenes with thiols leading to thioesters has been developed. The reactions were carried out in water with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant and polyoxyethanyl α-tocopheryl sebacate (PTS) as the surfactant. The reaction medium is compatible with a series of functional groups and can be reused.