Cyclic Sulfinamides

Strategic Synthesis of Sulfinamides as Versatile S(IV) Intermediates

Sulfinamides constitute adaptable S(IV) intermediates with a sulfur stereocenter, having emerging interest in divergent synthesis of high-valent S(VI) functional bioisosteres. Recent years have witnessed the strategic development of mild and selective synthetic routes for highly functionalized sulfinamides, employing stable organometallic reagents, carbon-centered radical precursors, and other abundant coupling partners merged with various sulfur reagents in the arena of metal, photoredox, and organocatalysis. Furthermore, asymmetric metal and organocatalysis have enabled the stereoselective synthesis of enantioenriched sulfinamides. In this Perspective, we present the recent (2021 to present) advancement of various synthetic methods toward sulfinamides.

Photo Energy Transfer-Enabled Thiosulfinylation of Alkynes for Asymmetric Synthesis of Sultims

An asymmetric and highly practical thiosulfinylation of alkynes is established for the synthesis of sultim derivatives. The disclosed platform featured broad substrate scope and group tolerance for diverse biologically important molecules under mild and operationally simple conditions. Notably, the obtained chiral sulfinyl derivatives have demonstrated their potential application in further gram-scale synthesis and product derivatizations, providing a chance for drug discovery.

Selective Oxidation of Benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-Ones Enabled by Selectfluor

A metal-free and Selectfluor-mediated selective oxidation reaction of benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-ones in aqueous media is presented. This novel strategy provides a facile, green, and efficient approach to access important benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one-1-oxides with excellent yields and high tolerance to various functional groups. Furthermore, the purification of benzoisothiazol-3-one-1-oxides does not rely on column chromatography. Moreover, the preparation of saccharine derivatives has been achieved through sequential, double oxidation reactions in a one-pot aqueous media.

Organocatalytic skeletal reorganization for enantioselective synthesis of S-stereogenic sulfinamides

The enantioselective synthesis of S-stereogenic sulfinamides has garnered considerable attention due to their structural and physicochemical properties. However, catalytic asymmetric synthesis of sulfinamides still remains daunting challenges, impeding their broad application in drug discovery and development. Here, we present an approach for the synthesis of S-stereogenic sulfinamides through peptide-mimic phosphonium salt-catalyzed asymmetric skeletal reorganization of simple prochiral and/or racemic sulfoximines. This methodology allows for the facile access to a diverse array of substituted sulfinamides with excellent enantioselectivities, accommodating various substituent patterns through desymmetrization or parallel kinetic resolution process. Mechanistic experiments, coupled with density functional theory calculations, clarify a stepwise pathway involving ring-opening and ring-closing processes, with the ring-opening step identified as crucial for achieving stereoselective control. Given the prevalence of S-stereogenic centers in pharmaceuticals, we anticipate that this protocol will enhance the efficient and precise synthesis of relevant chiral molecules and their analogs, thereby contributing to advancements in drug discovery.

Chemistry in Ukraine

In this special issue, we highlight recent advances in chemical research by scientists in Ukraine, as well as by their compatriots and collaborators outside the country. Besides spotlighting their contributions, we see our task in fostering global partnerships and multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary collaborations, including much-needed co-funded projects and initiatives. The three decades of the renewed Ukraine independence have seen rather limited integration of Ukrainian (chemical) science into global research communities.[1] At the same time, the recent surge of collaborative science initiatives between European Union (EU) and Ukraine echoes the unfolding steps towards Ukraine's full research participation to the Horizon Europe Program. This recently implemented step opens enormous possibilities for Ukrainian researchers to apply for diverse EU research grants. Moreover, a number of journal special issues and collections were launched to highlight Ukrainian chemistry (i. e., by Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds[2] and ChemistrySelect[3] ). Other scientific initiatives include 'European Chemistry School for Ukrainians'[4] and 'Kharkiv Chemical Seminar'[5] as voluntary projects aimed at engaging Ukrainian scientists into European and international chemical research.