Transition metal-free direct C-H bond thiolation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and related heteroarenes.

A convenient transition metal-free procedure for the direct thiolation of 1,3,4-oxadiazole C-H bonds using diaryl disulfides has been developed. Other substrates including indole, benzothiazole, N-phenylbenzimidazole, and caffeine were also thiolated in this manner, providing the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.