Cu(OAc)2-mediated dehydrogenative cross-coupling between two heteroarenes has been realized in the absence of any other additive. A mechanism involving a formal Cu(II) to Cu(0) route by convergent disproportionation of the copper mediator is proposed and has been evidenced by copper mirror formation during the reaction. This synthetic protocol provides a concise and “green” access to unsymmetrical biheteroarenes bearing structural motifs of substantial utility in organic synthesis.

A Lewis acid (AgI, NiII, or FeII) catalyzed, CuII-mediated thiolation reaction between heteroarenes and thiols was achieved with good yield under base-free conditions. DMSO could serve as an effective methylthiolation reagent for the synthesis of heterocyclic methyl thioethers.