PURPOSE: The reaction of an aryl iodide with thiourea in the presence of a transition metal complex gives a compound, in high yield, which is used as a synthetic intermediate of a variety of thiophenols and heterocyclic compounds.

CONSTITUTION: The reaction of an aryl iodide of formula I (R is hydroxyl, amino, aldehyde, acyl, carboxyl, 1W3C alkoxy) with thiourea of formula II (R1WR4 are lower alkyl, phenyl, H) is conducted in the presence of a transition metal complex such as nickel complex in a solvent at 40W80°C for 3W25hr to give the objective compound of formula III. The reaction is effected using 1mol of the aryl iodide and 1.0W3.0mol, preferably 1.0W1.5mol of thiourea.