Sulfuration of the C(sp(2))-H bond of enaminones: a protocol for the synthesis of thioether using elemental sulfur as a sulfurating reagent.

Sulfuration reaction of the C(sp(2))-H bond of enaminones with elemental sulfur in the presence of CuBr/K3PO4 was carried out. It provided an efficient method for the synthesis of thioethers in moderate to good yields. The protocol was also applicable to synthesize selenides when selenium powder was used instead of sulfur powder.