β-Thioamide Sulfone Enabled Copper-Catalyzed Ring-Opening/Sulfonylation of Cyclopropenes: Access to Alkyl Aryl Sulfones

Sulfone motifs play important roles in bioactive compounds and functional materials. The development of efficient methodologies for constructing sulfonyl-containing compounds has thus attracted considerable attention. Here, we introduce a protocol for the preparation of alkyl aryl sulfones under mild conditions. This protocol employs β-thioamide sulfone as a novel sulfone motif donor. It forms sulfinates in situ under basic conditions, which then undergo cross-coupling with the intermediates that were generated from ligand-free copper-catalyzed cyclopropenes (CPEs) ring opening.

Light-assisted functionalization of aryl radicals towards metal-free cross-coupling

The many synthetic possibilities that arise when using radical intermediates, in place of their polar counterparts, make contemporary radical chemistry research an exhilarating field. The introduction of photocatalysis has helped tame aryl radicals, leading to a resurgence of interest in their chemistry, and an expansion of viable coupling partners and attainable transformations. These methods are more selective and safer than classical approaches, and they utilize new radical precursors. Given the importance of sustainability in current organic synthesis and our interest in light-assisted metal-free transformations, this Review focuses on recent advances in the use of aryl radicals in photoinduced cross-couplings that do not rely on metals for the crucial bond-forming event, and it is structured according to the key step that the aryl radicals engage in.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Preparation of Sulfones Using Bis-Piperidine Sulfur Dioxide - An Underutilized Reagent for SO2 Transfer

Sulfonyl groups are widely observed in biologically relevant molecules and consequently, SO2 capture is an increasingly attractive method to prepare these sulfonyl-containing compounds given the range of SO2 -surrogates now available as alternatives to using the neat gas. This, along with the advent of photoredox catalysis, has enabled mild radical capture of SO2 to emerge as an effective route to sulfonyl compounds. Here we report a photoredox-catalyzed cross-electrophile sulfonylation of aryl and alkyl bromides making use of a previously under-used amine-SO2 surrogate; bis(piperidine) sulfur dioxide (PIPSO). A broad selection of alkyl and aryl bromides were photocatalytically converted to their corresponding sulfinates and then trapped with various electrophiles in a one-pot multistep procedure to prepare sulfones and sulfonamides.

Recent advances in ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes for capturing SO2, CO or O2via a radical process

Cyclobutanone oximes and their derivatives are pivotal core structural motifs in organic chemistry. Iminyl-radical-triggered C-C bond cleavage of cyclobutanone oximes delivers an efficient strategy to produce stable distal cyano-substituted alkyl radicals, which can capture SO2, CO or O2 to form cyanoalkylsulfonyl radicals, cyanoalkylcarbonyl radicals or cyanoalkoxyl radicals under mild conditions. In the past several years, cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyanoalkylcarbonyaltion/cyanoalkoxylation has attracted a lot of interest. In this updated report, the strategies for trapping SO2, CO or O2via iminyl-radical-triggered ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes are summarized.

Photocatalytic Enantioselective Hydrosulfonylation of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls with Sulfonyl Chlorides

This research explores the enantioselective hydrosulfonylation of various α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via the use of visible light and redox-active chiral Ni-catalysis, facilitating the synthesis of enantioenriched α-chiral sulfones with remarkable enantioselectivity (exceeding 99 % ee). A significant challenge entails enhancing the reactivity between chiral metal-coordinated carbonyl compounds and moderate electrophilic sulfonyl radicals, aiming to minimize the background reactions. The success of our approach stems from two distinctive attributes: 1) the Cl-atom abstraction employed for sulfonyl radical generation from sulfonyl chlorides, and 2) the single-electron reduction to produce a key enolate radical Ni-complex. The latter process appears to enhance the feasibility of the sulfonyl radical's addition to the electron-rich enolate radical. An in-depth investigation into the reaction mechanism, supported by both experimental observations and theoretical analysis, offers insight into the intricate reaction process. Moreover, the versatility of our methodology is highlighted through its successful application in the late-stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules, demonstrating its practicality as a strategy for producing α-chiral sulfones.

One-pot synthesis of 11-sulfenyl dibenzodiazepines via tandem sulfenylation/cyclization of o-isocyanodiaryl amines and diaryl disulfides

A one-pot sulfenylation/cyclization of o-isocyanodiaryl amines has been described for the preparation of 11-sulfenyl dibenzodiazepines. This AgI-catalyzed reaction covers an unexplored tandem process to give seven-membered N-heterocycles. This transformation shows a broad range of substrate scope, simple operation, and moderate to good yields under aerobic conditions. Diphenyl diselenide can also be produced in an acceptable yield.

Dehydroxylative Sulfonylation of Alcohols

Described here is the R₃P/ICH₂CH₂I-promoted dehydroxylative sulfonylation of alcohols with a variety of sulfinates. In contrast to previous dehydroxylative sulfonylation methods, which are usually limited to active alcohols, such as benzyl, allyl, and propargyl alcohols, our protocol can be extended to both active and inactive alcohols (alkyl alcohols). Various sulfonyl groups can be incorporated, such as CF₃SO₂ and HCF₂SO₂, which are fluorinated groups of interest in pharmaceutical chemistry and the installation of which has received increasing attention. Notably, all reagents are cheap and widely available, and moderate to high yields were obtained within 15 min of reaction time.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Arylsulfonyl Radicals with Diazo Compounds: Assembly of Arylsulfones

A novel copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylsulfonyl radicals with diazo compounds is described for the synthesis of various arylsulfones under mild conditions. In this reaction, the cheap, environmentally friendly, and readily available inorganic K₂S₂O₅ is employed as the sulfur dioxide source for providing arylsulfonyl radicals. In addition, a radical mechanism involving the insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl radicals followed by the coupling of arylsulfonyl radicals with copper carbenes is proposed.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

A radical-radical cross-coupling reaction of xanthene with sulfonyl hydrazides: facile access to xanthen-9-sulfone derivatives

A straightforward strategy for direct incorporation of sulfonyl units into a xanthene moiety for accessing xanthen-9-sulfone derivatives in good to excellent yields has been established via metal-free radical-radical cross-coupling reaction of xanthenes and sulfonyl hydrazides. Using easily accessible starting materials, this methodology proceeds efficiently with a high degree of functional group compatibility and with a wide scope of both xanthenes and sulfonyl hydrazides under operationally simple reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations revealed that sulfonyl radicals could be generated from sulfonyl hydrazides in the presence of TBHP under an oxygen atmosphere.

Photoredox-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Reactions

The fields of C-H functionalization and photoredox catalysis have garnered enormous interest and utility in the past several decades. Many different scientific disciplines have relied on C-H functionalization and photoredox strategies including natural product synthesis, drug discovery, radiolabeling, bioconjugation, materials, and fine chemical synthesis. In this Review, we highlight the use of photoredox catalysis in C-H functionalization reactions. We separate the review into inorganic/organometallic photoredox catalysts and organic-based photoredox catalytic systems. Further subdivision by reaction class─either sp2 or sp3 C-H functionalization─lends perspective and tactical strategies for use of these methods in synthetic applications.

Photoinduced C(sp3)-H sulfination empowers the direct and chemoselective introduction of the sulfonyl group

Direct installation of the sulfinate group by the functionalization of unreactive aliphatic C-H bonds can provide access to most classes of organosulfur compounds, because of the central position of sulfinates as sulfonyl group linchpins. Despite the importance of the sulfonyl group in synthesis, medicine, and materials science, a direct C(sp³)-H sulfination reaction that can convert abundant aliphatic C-H bonds to sulfinates has remained elusive, due to the reactivity of sulfinates that are incompatible with typical oxidation-driven C-H functionalization approaches. We report herein a photoinduced C(sp³)-H sulfination reaction that is mediated by sodium metabisulfite and enables access to a variety of sulfinates. The reaction proceeds with high chemoselectivity and moderate to good regioselectivity, affording only monosulfination products and can be used for a solvent-controlled regiodivergent distal C(sp³)-H functionalization.

The Renaissance of Alkali Metabisulfites as SO2 Surrogates

The upsurge of interest in the development of methodologies for the construction of sulfur-containing compounds via the use of expedient reagents has established sustainable tools in organic chemistry. This review focuses on sulfonylation reactions using inorganic sulfites (Na2S2O5 or K2S2O5) as the sulfur dioxide surrogates. Compared to the bis-adduct with DABCO, which is an excellent surrogate of gaseous SO2, the use of sodium or potassium metabisulfites as SO2 surrogates are equally efficient. The objective of the current review is to exemplify recent sulfonylation reactions using inorganic sulfites. For better understanding, the review is categorized according to the mode of reactions: transition-metal-catalyzed SO2 insertion, metal-free SO2 insertion, and visible-light-mediated SO2 insertion. All the reactions in each of the sections are illustrated with selected examples with a pertinent explanation of the proposed mechanism.

1 Introduction

2 Outlines of the Reactions Involving SO2 Insertion

2.1 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed SO2 Insertion

2.2 Transition-Metal-Free SO2 Insertion

2.3 Visible-Light-Mediated SO2 Insertion

3 Conclusion and Outlook

Visible Light as the Key for the Formation of Carbon–Sulfur Bonds in Sulfones, Thioethers, and Sulfonamides: An Update

This review summarizes the most relevant advancements made in the photocatalyzed synthesis of sulfones, thioethers, and sulfonamides from 2017 to the beginning of 2021. Synthetic strategies towards the construction of sulfur–carbon bonds are discussed together with the proposed reaction mechanisms. Interestingly, sulfur-based functional groups, which are of fundamental importance for the pharmaceutical field, can be assembled by photocatalysis in an easy and straightforward way under milder reaction conditions employing less toxic and expensive sulfur sources in comparison with common strategies.

1 Introduction

2 Sulfones

2.1 Sodium Sulfinates and Sulfinic Acids

2.2 Sulfonyl Halides

2.3 Sulfonyl Hydrazones

2.4 Sulfur Dioxide Surrogates

2.5 Miscellaneous

3 Thioethers

4 Sulfonamides

5 Conclusions

The Same Oxidation-State Introduction of Hypervalent Sulfur via Transition-Metal Catalysis

Sulfonyl compounds have attracted considerable interest due to their extensive applications in drug discovery, agricultural, and material science. The access to the assembly of SO₂ -containing compounds via the same oxidative-state introduction of hypervalent sulfur has come to the fore in the recent years. Especially, the transition-metal-involved synthesis of hypervalent sulfur compounds is the most effective strategy since SO₂ is easy to insert into the metal-carbon bonds. This review discusses the application of the same oxidation-state introduction of hypervalent sulfur strategy under the transition-metal-catalyzed conditions, and presents according to different metal catalysts and the synthesized diversity hypervalent sulfur-containing compounds skeletons, including sulfonamides, sulfones, sulfinamides, sulfonyl acids and sulfonyl fluorides.

Visible-light-promoted sulfonylation of thiols with aryldiazonium and sodium metabisulphite leading to unsymmetrical thiosulfonates

A facile visible-light-mediated protocol has been proposed for the synthesis of thiosulfonates via rhodamine 6G catalyzed sulfonylation of thiols with aryldiazonium and sodium metabisulphite at room temperature.

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed four-component reaction for the construction of sulfone-containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed four component reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, alkenes, aryldiazonium, and sodium metabisulfite leading to sulfone-containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been developed.

Recent application of visible-light induced radicals in C-S bond formation

The sulphur centered radicals, produced from various organic compounds, in high efficiency by single-electron-transfer (SET) oxidation. These radicals are highly reactive intermediates having various applications in the construction of organosulphur compounds in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. These S-centred radical-mediated organic transformations have been achieved using photoredox catalysts, including organic dyes and transition metal catalysts, as well as in the absence of any catalyst. Compared with previous methods, photoredox catalysis is inexpensive and features the advantages of being environmentally benign, highly efficient and easy to use. This review focuses on recent developments in the photocatalyzed carbon-sulphur bond formation.

Electrochemical Synthesis of β-Ketosulfones from Switchable Starting Materials

A synthesis of β-ketosulfones via sulfination of aryl methyl ketones and aryl acetylenes with sodium sulfinates under mild electrochemical conditions, in moderate to good chemical yields, is described. In particular, an electrochemical sulfination reaction of alkynes with sulfinate salts has never been explored. An environmentally friendly characteristic of this reaction is that it uses electricity as a valuable energy source for electrochemical synthesis of β-ketosulfones. This strategy is more convenient and practical compared to previous approaches.

Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed dual C–C bond cleavage: synthesis of 2-cyanoalkylsulfonylated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A novel visible-light photoredox-catalyzed dual C–C bond cleavage of methylenecyclopropanes and cycloketone oximes for accessing 2-cyanoalkylsulfonated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes is established.

Transition-metal- and oxidant-free three-component reaction of quinoline N-oxides, sodium metabisulfite and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates via a dual radical coupling process

A convenient and straightforward three-component transformation of quinoline N-oxides, sodium metabisulfite and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates has been developed, providing the target products in moderate to good yields. Compared with previous studies, the present methodology avoids the use of transition-metal catalysts and excess oxidants, providing a simple and practical alternative approach for the construction of 2-sulfonylquinolines. Control experiments indicate that a dual radical coupling process is responsible for this reaction.

Transition-metal- and oxidant-free directed anodic C-H sulfonylation of N,N-disubstituted anilines with sulfinates

A new, practical directed anodic C-H sulfonylation of N,N-disubstituted anilines with sodium sulfinates for producing o- or p-amino arylsulfones and diarylsulfones is described. Employing the anodic strategy, the reaction proceeds efficiently under mild (room temperature) and transition-metal- and chemical oxidant-free conditions, and enables the formation of C-S bonds via directed activation of ortho- or para-C-H bond to the amino group with broad substrate scope and excellent site selectivity.

Synthesis of β-Sulfonyl Amides through a Multicomponent Reaction with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide under Visible Light Irradiation

A multicomponent reaction of styrenes, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, nitriles, and water in the presence of a photocatalyst at room temperature is performed. This vicinal aminosulfonylation of styrenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under visible light irradiation proceeds efficiently with excellent chemoselectivity, giving rise to the corresponding β-sulfonyl amides in moderate to good yields.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkyl iodides, sulfur dioxide, and electron-deficient alkenes

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkyl iodides, sulfur dioxide, and electron-deficient alkenes under mild conditions is achieved. This reaction proceeds through alkyl radicals formed in situ from alkyl iodides under visible light irradiation in the presence of a photoredox catalyst. The alkyl radical intermediates would react with sulfur dioxide leading to alkylsulfonyl radicals, which would be trapped by electron-deficient alkenes giving rise to alkyl sulfones. Various functional groups including nitro, halo, acetyl, sufonyl, and pyridinyl are all tolerated under the photoredox conditions.

Synthesis of 3-(Methylsulfonyl)benzo[ b]thiophenes from Methyl(2-alkynylphenyl)sulfanes and Sodium Metabisulfite via a Radical Relay Strategy

A radical relay strategy for the generation of 3-(methylsulfonyl)benzo[ b]thiophenes through a reaction of methyl(2-alkynylphenyl)sulfanes with sodium metabisulfite in the presence of a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation is developed. This photoinduced sulfonylation proceeds efficiently under mild conditions by using a catalytic amount of sodium methylsulfinate as an initiator. During the reaction process, the methyl radical generated in situ is the key intermediate, which undergoes a radical relay with the combination of sulfur dioxide to afford methylsulfonyl-containing compounds.

Inorganic sulfites as the sulfur dioxide surrogates in sulfonylation reactions

Recent advances in the sulfonylation reactions by using inorganic sulfites as the source of sulfonyl group are reported. The approaches employing inorganic sulfites as sulfur dioxide surrogates are attractive and promising for the synthesis of sulfonyl compounds since inorganic sulfites are abundant, easily available and cheap. The transformations using inorganic sulfites as the source of sulfonyl group work efficiently, providing diverse sulfonyl compounds including sulfones and sulfonamides. The sulfonylation reactions can be performed under transition metal catalysis or through radical processes under catalyst- and additive-free conditions. In some cases, a photocatalyst is employed under visible-light irradiation to facilitate the transformation. For the sulfur dioxide surrogate of inorganic sulfites, potassium metabisulfite or sodium metabisulfite has been broadly used in various transformations. However, the reactivities of inorganic sulfites in organic reactions still need to be explored.

Visible-light mediated sulfonylation of thiols via insertion of sulfur dioxide

Photocatalytically generated sulfenyl radicals were coupled with arylsulfonyl radicals at room temperature for accessing unsymmetrical organic thiosulfonates.

Cu(OTf)2-mediated C(sp2)–H arylsulfonylation of enamides via the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A stereoselective Cu(OTf)₂-mediated C(sp²)–H sulfonylation of enamides with arylsulfonyl radicals generated in situ from DABSO and diazonium salts is developed.

Photoredox-catalyzed hydrosulfonylation reaction of electron-deficient alkenes with substituted Hantzsch esters and sulfur dioxide

A sulfonylation reaction of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and electron-deficient alkenes at room temperature in the presence of photoredox catalysis under visible light irradiation is described.

Photoinduced synthesis of allylic sulfones using potassium metabisulfite as the source of sulfur dioxide

Synthesis of allylic sulfones through a photoinduced three-component reaction of aryl/alkyl halides, potassium metabisulfite, and allylic bromides under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is developed. Diverse allylic sulfones are generated in moderate to good yields.