Nano copper oxide catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical diaryl sulfides under ligand free conditions.

Potassium thiocyanate acts as an efficient sulfur surrogate in C-S cross-coupling reactions mediated by recyclable copper oxide nanoparticles under ligand free conditions. This protocol avoids foul smelling thiols, for the synthesis of a variety of symmetrical diaryl sulfides, via the cross-coupling of different aryl halides with potassium thiocyanate, affording corresponding products in moderate to excellent yields.