KF/Clinoptilolite: an efficient promoter for the synthesis of thioethers.

Potassium fluoride impregnated on natural zeolite as a new solid base system effectively catalyzes the coupling of thiophenols with electron-deficient fluoro-, chloro- and bromo-arenes in DMSO. This versatile and efficient solid base has been demonstrated to afford the corresponding desired products in good to excellent yields. This procedure provides a convenient, efficient and practical method for the preparation of diaryl thioethers.