Photoredox Catalysis in C-S Bond Construction: Recent Progress in Photo-Catalyzed Formation of Sulfones and Sulfoxides

Photocatalytic Synthesis and Functionalization of Sulfones, Sulfonamides and Sulfoximines

Sulfur(VI)-based functional groups are popular scaffolds in a wide variety of research fields including synthetic and medicinal chemistry, as well as chemical biology. The growing interest in sulfur(VI)-containing molecules has motivated the scientific community to explore new methods to synthesize and modify them. Here, photocatalysis plays a key role granting access to new types of reactivity under mild reaction conditions. In this Perspective, we present a selection of works reported in the last six years focused on the photocatalytic assembly and reactivity of sulfones, sulfonamides, and sulfoximines. We addressed the key synthetic intermediates for each transformation, while discussing limitations and strength points of the protocols. Future directions of the field are finally presented.

Palladium-Catalyzed Tsuji-Trost-Type Reaction of 3-Indolylmethylacetates with O, and S Soft Nucleophiles

The chemical valorization of widespread molecules in renewable sources is a field of research widely investigated in the last decades. In this context, we envisaged that indole-3-carbinol, present in different Cruciferae plants, could be a readily available building block for the synthesis of various classes of indoles through a palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost-type reaction with O and S soft nucleophiles. The regiochemical outcome of this high-yielding functionalization shows that the nucleophilic substitution occurs only at the benzylic position. Interestingly, with this protocol, the sulfonyl unit could be appended to the indole nucleus, providing convenient access to new classes of molecules with potential bioactivity.

Electrochemical Sulfonylation/Cyclization of N-Alkenylacrylamides with Sodium Sulfinates or Sulfonyl Hydrazides

Two general protocols for the regioselective electrochemically enabled sulfonylation cyclization of N-alkenylacrylamides with sodium sulfinates or sulfonyl hydrazides were described. These methods were carried out under mild, chemical oxidant-free, and transition-metal-free conditions with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance to provide sulfonyl-containing 4-pyrrolin-2-ones, which is readily scalable to the gram scale.

Visible-light-induced photocatalyst-free cascade cyclization of 3-(2-(ethynyl)phenyl)quinazolinones to sulfonated quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones

A visible-light-induced K2S2O8-promoted cascade sulfonation/cyclization reaction was established using 3-(2-(ethynyl)phenyl)quinazolinones as efficient substrates under mild conditions. A series of sulfonated quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones were successfully synthesized under transition-metal- and photocatalyst-free conditions. Notably, this strategy has the advantages of room temperature and simple operation, easy scale-up, and good functional group tolerance.

1O2 mediated synthesis of carbonyl substituted quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones in visible light: 4CzIPN as a reusable photocatalyst

A mild and eco-friendly method for the construction of carbonyl-containing quinoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones has been developed in the presence of O2, photocatalyzed by reusable 4CzIPN in visible light. The method is transition-metal free, cost-effective, sustainable and gives the products in moderate to high yields.

Sequential Ring Opening/In Situ SO2-Capture/Alkynylation of Cyclopropanols with Alkynyl Triflones Initiated by Energy Transfer

A visible-light-triggered ring opening/in situ SO2-capture/alkynylation sequence of cyclopropyl alcohols with alkynyl triflones using 4CzIPN as a triplet energy transfer photocatalyst is herein described. This metal-free protocol provides a straightforward and atom-economical approach to alkynyl-substituted γ-keto sulfones with a broad scope of substituents. In this transformation, alkynyl triflones could be used as both radical acceptors and SO2 donors. Preliminary experimental mechanistic studies and synthetic utility are also demonstrated.

Oxidant-Assisted Sulfonylation/Cyclization Cascade Synthesis of Alkylsulfonylated Oxindoles via the Insertion of SO2

An oxidant-assisted tandem sulfonylation/cyclization of electron-deficient alkenes with 4-alkyl-substituted Hantzsch esters and Na2S2O5 for the preparation of 3-alkylsulfonylated oxindoles under mild conditions in the absence of a photocatalyst and transition metal catalyst is established. The mechanism studies show that the alkyl radicals, which come from the cleavage of the C-C bond in 4-substituted Hantzsch esters under oxidant conditions, subsequently undergo the in situ insertion of sulfur dioxide to generate the crucial alkylsulfonyl radical intermediates. This three-component reaction provides an efficient and facile route for the construction of alkylsulfonylated oxindoles and avoids the use of highly toxic alkylsulfonyl chlorides or alkylsulfonyl hydrazines as alkylsulfonyl sources.

Photoredox-Catalyzed 1,4-Peroxidation-Sulfonylation of Enynones: A Three-Component Radical Coupling Approach for the Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Allenes

An Eosin Y-catalyzed visible light-promoted 1,4-peroxidation-sulfonylation of enynones was achieved to give tetrasubstituted allenes. The photoredox catalysis of Eosin Y allowed the concomitant formation of peroxy and sulfonyl radicals, where the preferential peroxy radical addition to the alkene moiety of enynones resulted in the subsequent α-keto radical-sulfonyl radical cross couplings. The developed photoredox catalysis of Eosin Y demonstrates a regioselective 1,4-diradical addition strategy, opening up a new possibility of diradical functionalization of conjugate systems.

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.

Photocatalytic selective synthesis of (E)-β-aminovinyl sulfones and (E)-β-amidovinyl sulfones using Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as the catalyst

Selectively producing a variety of valuable compounds using controlled chemical reactions starting from a common material is an appealing yet complex concept. Herein, a photocatalytic approach for the selective synthesis of (E)-β-aminovinyl sulfones and (E)-β-amidovinyl sulfones from allenamides and sodium sulfinates was established. This reaction exhibits the traits of an eco-friendly solvent and adjustable amide cleavage, and can accommodate a diverse range of substrates with exceptional functional group tolerance. Based on control experiments and deuterium labeling experiments, a plausible radical reaction pathway is proposed.

Photocatalytic Radical Cascade Dehalogenation/Carbo-cyclization/Sulfonylation Leading to Indole- and Benzofuran-Based Benzylic Sulfones

This study presents a convenient approach to the synthesis of indole- and benzofuran-based benzylic sulfones using unactivated alkynes containing aryl iodides and sodium sulfinates under visible light irradiation. The procedure involves a sequential series of dehalogenation, carbo-cyclization, and radical sulfonylation. Plausible insights into the reaction mechanism are derived from control experiments, leading to the proposal of a radical cascade reaction pathway.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Radical-Radical Cross-Coupling of Sulfonyl Chlorides with Trifluoroborate Salts

Sulfones are widely found in natural products and drug molecules. Here, we disclose a strategy for direct synthesis of sulfone compounds with diverse structures by visible-light-catalyzed radical-radical cross-coupling of sulfonyl chlorides and trifluoroborate salts. Allyl, benzyl, vinyl, and aryl trifluoroborates can be successfully cross-coupled with (hetero)aryl and alkyl sulfonyl chlorides, respectively. This strategy features redox neutrality, good substrate generality, simple operation, and benign reaction conditions.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Synthesis of 3-Sulfonylated Pyrrolin-2-ones via a Regioselective Tandem Sulfonylation Cyclization of 1,5-Dienes

A mild, visible-light-induced, regioselective cascade sulfonylation-cyclization of 1,5-dienes with sulfonyl chlorides through the intermolecular radical addition/cyclization of alkenes C(sp²)-H was developed. This procedure proceeds well and affords a mild and efficient route to a range of monosulfonylated pyrrolin-2-ones at room temperatures.

Photoinduced Photocatalyst-Free Cascade Cyclization of Alkynes with Sodium Sulfinates for the Synthesis of Benzothiophenes and Thioflavones

The subject of this investigation is a new method for the construction of sulfonylated heterocycles which overcomes the limitations of classical approaches using a cheap feedstock sulfonylating agent, especially under photocatalyst- and metal-free conditions.

Photoinduced Radical Sulfinylation of C(sp3)-H Bonds with Sulfinyl Sulfones

A direct C(sp³)-H sulfinylation reaction of alkanes with sulfinyl sulfones via decatungstate photocatalysis is reported. The sulfinyl sulfones generated in situ from sulfinates in the presence of an acylating reagent were able to trap the alkyl radicals that were produced via the photoinduced direct hydrogen atom transfer of alkanes, leading to a range of sulfoxides. This radical sulfinylation process provides an efficient and concise method for the synthesis of sulfoxides from abundant alkanes under mild conditions. Using the same strategy, aldehydes can also be transferred to the corresponding sulfoxides via decarbonylative sulfinylation.

Easy access to α-carbonyl sulfones using cross-coupling of α-aryl-α-diazoesters with sulfonyl hydrazides

A facile synthesis of α-carbonyl sulfones has been accomplished by the cross-coupling of α-aryl-α-diazoesters with sulfonyl hydrazides in the presence of CuI and DBU. The reaction employs inexpensive and bench stable sulfonyl hydrazides as a sulfonyl source, and facilitates the migratory insertion with α-aryl-α-diazoesters under mild reaction conditions.

Copper-catalyzed cross coupling reaction of sulfonyl hydrazides with 3-aminoindazoles

A novel Cu-catalyzed radical-radical cross coupling reaction of 3-aminoindazoles with sulfonyl hydrazides has been disclosed, enabling the production of diverse 1,3-substituted aminoindazoles in good yields. This methodology is distinguished by readily available starting materials, wide substrate scope and operational simplicity. In addition, a gram-scale reaction has been well demonstrated.

Recent developments in the synthesis of the isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione by radical cascade reaction

In recent years, isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione compounds have attracted extensive attention from synthetic chemists, with the aim of finding simple, mild, green and efficient synthetic methods. In this review, we summarize the diverse range of synthetic methods employing acryloyl benzamides as key substrates to furnish isoquinoline-1,3-diones using different radical precursors, such as those containing carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, nitrogen, silicon and bromine. This will stimulate the interest of readers to engage in research in this field.

Switchable In Situ SO2 Capture and CF3 Migration of Enol Triflates with Peroxyl Compounds under Iron Catalysis

Switchable in situ SO₂ capture and CF₃ migration of enol triflates with peroxyl compounds under iron catalysis are presented. By regulating the structure of peroxides, a variety of keto-functionalized dialkyl sulfones and α-trifluoromethyl ketones were selectively synthesized in good yields under mild conditions.

Arylsulfonylation-Triggered Cyclization of 3-Alkenyl Indoles Enabling Synthesis of Tetrahydro-γ-carboline

A visible-light promoted cyclization reaction of 3-alkenyl indole derivatives with arylsulfonyl chlorides as coupling partners has been developed, which afforded functionalized tetrahydro-γ-carbolines in good chemical yields. The reaction used 3-alkenyl indoles as radical acceptors and proceeded via the sequence of sulfonylation and intramolecular cyclization. The reaction was carried out under mild conditions and tolerated a wide range of substrates, which provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of tetrahydro-γ-carboline derivatives.

Blue LED-Promoted Syntheses of Phosphorothioates and Phosphorodithioates

An environmentally friendly and resourceful modular protocol for the synthesis of phosphorochalcogenoates, phosphorochalcogenothioates, and phosphinothioates under blue light-emitting diode irradiation is described. The blue LED-promoted P-S, P-Se, and P-Te bond constructions occurred under metal-free, ligand-free, oxidant-free, and photocatalyst-free conditions with minimum chemical waste generation and high atom economy providing the resulting phosphorochalcogenoates, phosphorochalcogenothioates, and phosphinothioates in good to excellent yields.

Visible-Light-Induced Organophotocatalytic Difunctionallization: Open-Air Hydroxysulfurization of Aryl Alkenes with Aryl Thiols

Herein, we report a regioselective visible-light-induced organophotoredox catalytic difunctionalization method to prepare β-hydroxysulfides using aryl alkenes and aryl thiols as substrates. The reaction provides a wide substrate scope of aryl alkenes (from simple styrene to complex bioactive compounds) and aryl thiols (from diverse heteroaromatic thiols to nonheteroaromatic thiols) (total 45 examples, up to 88% yield). Based on the combined experimental and computational studies, we demonstrate that in situ generated hydroperoxyl radicals from O₂ in air react with benzylic radicals, which restrains the reaction between benzylic radicals and the acidic form of thiols in a classical thiol-ene radical reaction. We show that difunctionalization is possible due to the choice of bases, diluted substrate concentrations, increment in catalyst loading, and selection of suitable aryl thiols under aerobic conditions. Considering the biological importance of heteroaromatic thiols and the lack of methods to install them, our approach offers a platform to derive various β-hydroxysulfides that contain aromatic elements.

3-Arylsulfonylquinolines from N-Propargylamines via Cascaded Oxidative Sulfonylation Using DABSO

We report a cascaded oxidative sulfonylation of N-propargylamine via a three-component coupling reaction using DABCO·(SO₂)₂ (DABSO). 3-Arylsulfonylquinolines were obtained by mixing diazonium tetrafluoroborate, N-propargylamine, and DABSO under argon atmosphere in dichloroethane (DCE) for 1 h. In a radical pathway, DABSO was utilized as the sulfone source and an oxidant in this radical-mediated cascaded reaction.

Photocatalytic Markovnikov-type addition and cyclization of terminal alkynes leading to 4-sulfonyl quinoline-2(1H)-ones

A new and expedient photocatalytic protocol for the construction of quinolin-2(1H)-ones via Markovnikov-type sulfonylation/6-endo-trig cyclization/selective C(O)-CF₃ bond cleavage starting from N-alkyl-N-(2-ethynylphenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamides and sulfinic acids has been developed. It is as an unprecedented protocol for the preparation of 4-sulfonylquinoline-2(1H)-ones with high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, acceptable yields and a wide range of substrates.

Thianthrenium-Enabled Sulfonylation via Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex Photoactivation

Sulfone-containing compounds are prevalent building blocks in pharmaceuticals and other biomolecules, and they serve as key intermediates in the synthesis of complex scaffolds. During the past decade, several methods have been developed to access sulfones. These strategies, however, require the use of strong reaction conditions, limiting their substrate scope. Recently, visible light-mediated transformations have emerged as novel platforms to access unprecedented structural motifs. This report demonstrates a thianthrenium-enabled sulfonylation via intra-complex charge transfer to generate transient aryl- and persistent sulfonyl radicals that undergo selective coupling to generate alkyl- and (hetero)aryl sulfones under ambient conditions. Importantly, this strategy allows retention of halide handles, presenting a complementary approach to transition metal-mediated photoredox couplings. Furthermore, this sulfonylation allows high functional group tolerance and is amenable to late-stage functionalization of complex biomolecules. Mechanistic investigations support the intermediacy of electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes.

1-Acryloyl-2-cyanoindole: A Skeleton for Visible-Light-Induced Cascade Annulation

1-Acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles were found to be novel and efficient skeletons in visible-light-induced persulfate-promoted cascade cyclization reactions. With this transition-metal-free photocatalytic procedure, various sulfonated/thiocyanated pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones were synthesized from 1-acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles with sulfonyl hydrazides/NH₄SCN at room temperature under mild reaction conditions.

Azetidine synthesis enabled by photo-induced copper-catalysis via [3+1] radical cascade cyclization

Azetidines are an important type of saturated, highly strained, four-membered, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound. These compounds serve as important raw materials, intermediates, and catalysts in organic synthesis, as well as important active units in amino acids, alkaloids, and pharmaceutically active compounds. Thus, the development of an efficient and concise method to construct azetidines is of great significance in multiple disciplines. In this work, we reported on the photo-induced copper-catalyzed radical annulation of aliphatic amines with alkynes to produce azetidines. This reaction occurred in a two- or three-component manner. The alkynes efficiently captured photogenerated α-aminoalkyl radicals, forming vinyl radicals, which initiated tandem 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer and 4-exo-trig cyclization. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the tertiary radical intermediate was critical for the success of cyclization. In addition, the resulting saturated azetidine scaffolds possessed vicinal tertiary-quaternary and even quaternary-quaternary centers.

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Azetidines, four-membered N-heterocyclic compounds, are valuable targets for synthesis

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The first [3 + 1] cyclization approach is enabled by visible-light-induced copper catalysis

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This atom economic synthesis is characterized by double C-H activation

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This technology features operational simplicity, cheap catalyst, and broad substrate scope

Fluorinated Sulfinates as Source of Alkyl Radicals in the Photo-Enantiocontrolled β-Functionalization of Enals

The generation of sulfonyl radicals has long been known as a flexible strategy in a wide range of different sulfonylative transformations. Meanwhile their use in alkylation processes has been somehow limited due to their inherent difficulty in evolving to less-stable radicals after sulfur dioxide extrusion. Herein we report a convenient strategy that involves gem-difluorinated sulfinates as an "upgrading-mask", allowing these precursors to decompose into their corresponding alkyl radicals. The electron-donor character of sulfinates in the formation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex with transient iminium ions is displayed, achieving the first example of a stereocontrolled light-driven insertion of gem-difluoro derivatives into unsaturated aldehydes. This methodology is compatible with flow conditions, maintaining identical levels of enantiocontrol.

Metal-free sulfonylation of arenes with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide via cleavage of S-N bonds: expeditious synthesis of diarylsulfones

A novel metal-free sulfonylation of arenes with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) toward the synthesis of diarylsulfones has been developed. The reaction represents a rare example of sulfonylation reaction using NFSI as an efficient sulfonyl donor and the first example of acid-mediated sulfonylation of unactivated arenes with NFSI via selective cleavage of S-N bonds. This protocol provides a concise approach for the construction of pharmaceutically and biologically important diarylsulfones. Applications in the functionalization of natural products (e.g., β-estradiol) and in the synthesis of a key intermediate to an inhibitor of farnesyl-protein transferase, as well as in the gram-scale synthesis of the EPAC2 antagonist, are demonstrated.

Visible-Light-Mediated Late-Stage Sulfonylation of Anilines with Sulfonamides

A visible-light-mediated late-stage sulfonylation of anilines with sulfonamides under simple reaction conditions is presented. Various primary or secondary sulfonamides including several pharmaceuticals were incorporated successfully via N-S bond activation and C-H bond sulfonylation. The synthetic utility of this strategy is highlighted by the construction of complex anilines bearing diverse bioactive groups.

Electrochemical Selective C3-Thiolation of Quinolines

An electrochemical method has been developed to achieve C3-thiolation of quinoline compounds. This new strategy highlights the maximum atom economy, direct conversion and also the use of simple and readily...

Atom-Economical, Catalyst-Free Hydrosulfonation of Densely Functionalized Alkenes: Access to Oxindole Containing Sulfones

An atom-economical hydrosulfonation of densely functionalized alkenes under catalyst-free conditions is described. Alkenes possessing hydroxy-oxindole moiety underwent hydrosulfonation on treatment with arylsulfinic acids in green media to afford the resulting...

Photoredox-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonated oxazolines from N-allylamides through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

Photoredox-catalyzed generation of sulfonated oxazolines starting from N-allylamides, DABCO·(SO2)2, and aryldiazonium salts has been developed and a range of sulfonated oxazolines were obtained in moderate to good yields.

Photoredox Catalyzed Radical Cascade Aroylation (Sulfonylation)/Cyclization Enables Access to Fused Indolo-pyridones

A visible-light-initiated radical cascade reaction toward the synthesis of structurally diverse fused Indolo-pyridones is described. The reaction involves the addition of aroyl or sulfonyl radicals to N-alkyl-acryloyl-1H-indole-3-carboxamides, cyclization, and oxidative aromatization. This telescoped method circumvents lengthy prefunctionalization steps of radical precursors, which is further underpinned by the superior compatibility with a series of C-centered radicals, allowing the rapid and facile construction of numerous valuable architectures.

Recent Progress and Emerging Technologies towards a Sustainable Synthesis of Sulfones

Sulfones play a pivotal role in modern organic chemistry. They are highly versatile building blocks and find various applications as drugs, agrochemicals, or functional materials. Therefore, sustainable access to this class of molecules is of great interest. Herein, the goal was to provide a summary on recent developments in the field of sustainable sulfone synthesis. Advances and existing limitations in traditional approaches towards sulfones were reviewed on selected examples. Furthermore, novel emerging technologies for a more sustainable sulfone synthesis and future directions were discussed.

Metal-Free Sulfonylative Spirocyclization of Indolyl-ynones via Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide: Access to Sulfonated Spiro[cyclopentenone-1,3'-indoles]

A three-component sulfonylative spirocyclization of indolyl ynones with aryldiazonium salts and a sulfur dioxide surrogate of DABCO·(SO₂)₂ has been developed, providing a range of sulfonated spiro[cyclopentenone-1,3'-indoles] in moderate to good yields. This transformation was initiated by an in situ generated arylsulfonyl radical and proceeded efficiently under metal-free conditions, involving a radical-induced dearomative cascade cyclization accompanied by the insertion of sulfur dioxide. This protocol provides an efficient and convenient method to access sulfonated spiroindolenines, and tolerant various functional groups.

Diethylaminosulfur Trifluoride: A Novel, Low-Cost, Stable Double Thiolation Reagent for Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines

We report a novel, inexpensive double thiolation reagent that sulfurizes a broad range of imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines under mild conditions. Importantly, diethylaminosulfur trifluoride, as a common nucleophilic fluorinating reagent, was utilized as a novel thiolation reagent.

Introducing A New Class of Sulfonyl Fluoride Hubs via Radical Chloro-Fluorosulfonylation of Alkynes

Sulfonyl fluorides have widespread applications in many important fields, including ligation chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery. Therefore, new methods to increase the synthetic efficiency and expand the available structures of sulfonyl fluorides are highly in demand. Here, we introduce a new and powerful class of sulfonyl fluoride hubs, β-chloro alkenylsulfonyl fluorides (BCASF), which can be constructed via radical chloro-fluorosulfonyl difunctionalization of alkynes under photoredox conditions. BCASF molecules exhibit versatile reactivities and well undergo a series of transformations at the chloride site while keeping the sulfonyl fluoride group intact, including reduction, Suzuki coupling, Sonogashira coupling, as well as nucleophilic substitution with various nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur nucleophiles. By using BCASF as a synthetic hub, a wide range of sulfonyl fluorides becomes readily accessible, such as cis alkenylsulfonyl fluorides, dienylsulfonyl fluorides, and ynenylsulfonyl fluorides, which are challenging or even not possible to synthesize before with the known methods. Moreover, further application of BCASF to the late-stage modification of peptides and drugs is also demonstrated.

Copper-Mediated Cross-Coupling of Diazo Compounds with Sulfinates

A copper-mediated cross-coupling reaction between a diazo compound and a sodium alkane(arene)sulfinate gives a sulfone as the product. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions and features excellent functional group compatibility. A wide range of sodium alkane(arene)sulfinates were successfully applied in this chemistry. Mechanistic studies revealed that the overall reaction efficiency of the sulfinates was in line with their nucleophilicity in this reaction.