An efficient Ag(I) catalyzed carbon-carbon and carbon-sulfur bond formation reaction of aryl halides and thiols with boronic acids has been demonstrated. Using this protocol, substrates with a wide range of functional group including electron-rich, and electron deficient substituents have been explored. These reactions are particularly useful to prepare symmetrical and unsymmetrical biphenyls and thioethers. These products were isolated in high yield. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.