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.

Hydrazinosulfonylation of aryl electrophiles: a straightforward approach for the synthesis of aryl N-aminosulfonamides

In recent years, the direct hydrazinosulfonylation of aryl electrophiles with SO₂ and hydrazines has emerged as an efficient and versatile method for the synthesis of aryl N-aminosulfonamides. This method has the advantages of being operationally simple and requiring only readily available starting materials. This review article is an attempt to survey literature describing the preparation of aryl N-aminosulfonamides through the direct hydrazinosulfonylation of aryl electrophiles with SO₂ and hydrazines, with special attention paid to the mechanistic features of the reactions. It can be used as a guide for chemists to apply the best hydrazinosulfonylation conditions in their work or serve as inspiration for future research related to the topic.

Visible-light-driven reactions for the synthesis of sulfur dioxide-inserted compounds: generation of S-F, S-O, and S-N bonds

Sulfur dioxide-containing compounds such as sulfonyl fluorides, sulfonyl esters, and sulfonyl amides are important structural frameworks in many natural products, pharmaceuticals, and organic compounds. Thus, synthesis of these molecules is a very valuable research topic in organic chemistry. Various synthetic methods to introduce SO₂ groups into the structure of organic compounds have been developed for the synthesis of biologically and pharmaceutically useful compounds. Recently, visible-light-driven reactions were carried out to create SO₂-X (X = F, O, N) bonds, and their effective synthetic approaches were demonstrated. In this review, we summarized recent advances in visible-light-mediated synthetic strategies for generation of SO₂-X (X = F, O, N) bonds for various synthetic applications along with proposed reaction mechanisms.

Practical synthesis and biological screening of sulfonyl hydrazides

A methodology for the synthesis of sulfonyl hydrazides mediated by hypervalent iodine is described. Taking advantage of the umpolung properties of hypervalent iodine reagents, the polarity of sodium sulfinate salts is reversed, and a key intermediate is generated and reacted with mono- and disubstituted hydrazines. To highlight the practical utility of this protocol, a diverse range of sulfonyl hydrazides were synthesized in yields up to 62%. Furthermore, a gram-scale reaction was performed, showing the robustness of the procedure. Mechanistic studies, including DFT calculations, were performed and the bioactivity of the generated compounds was evaluated.

DABSO – A Reagent to Revolutionize Organosulfur Chemistry

The introduction of easy-to-handle SO2 surrogates has transformed the field of sulfur chemistry, enabling methodologies utilizing SO2 to be carried out without specialized apparatus, and paving the way for the development of new procedures. This review highlights some of the varied and significant developments associated with one of the most prominent SO2 surrogates: DABSO.

1 Introduction

2 DABSO

3 Reactions with Nucleophilic Reagents

4 Metal-Catalyzed Reactions

4.1 Palladium-Catalyzed Reactions

4.2 Other Transition-Metal Catalysis

5 Radical Reactions

5.1 Aryldiazonium Salts

5.2 Other Aryl Radical Precursors

5.3 Alkyl Radical Precursors

6 Conclusion

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.

Sulfinates from Amines: A Radical Approach to Alkyl Sulfonyl Derivatives via Donor-Acceptor Activation of Pyridinium Salts

Synthetically versatile alkyl sulfinates can be prepared from readily available amines, using Katritzky pyridinium salt intermediates. In a catalyst-free procedure, primary, secondary, and benzylic alkyl radicals are generated by photoinduced or thermally induced single-electron transfer (SET) from an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex, and trapped by SO₂ to generate sulfonyl radicals. Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from Hantzsch ester gives alkyl sulfinate products, which are used to prepare a selection of medicinal chemistry relevant sulfonyl-containing motifs.

Advances in photochemical and electrochemical incorporation of sulfur dioxide for the synthesis of value-added compounds

Organic photochemistry and electrochemistry currently receive tremendous attention in organic synthesis as both techniques enable the reagent-less activation of organic molecules without using expensive and hazardous redox reagents. The incorporation of SO₂ into organic molecules is a relatively modern research topic, which likewise gains immense popularity since the discovery of the SO₂ surrogate DABSO. Sulfur-containing organic molecules are omnipresent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This review covers the recent progress in electrochemical and photochemical methodologies for the incorporation and uses of SO₂ in the synthesis of value-added compounds. Additionally, different work techniques are demonstrated for the synthetic application of SO₂.

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

Photocatalytic decarboxylative amidosulfonation enables direct transformation of carboxylic acids to sulfonamides

Sulfonamides feature prominently in organic synthesis, materials science and medicinal chemistry, where they play important roles as bioisosteric replacements of carboxylic acids and other carbonyls. Yet, a general synthetic platform for the direct conversion of carboxylic acids to a range of functionalized sulfonamides has remained elusive. Herein, we present a visible light-induced, dual catalytic platform that for the first time allows for a one-step access to sulfonamides and sulfonyl azides directly from carboxylic acids. The broad scope of the direct decarboxylative amidosulfonation (DDAS) platform is enabled by the efficient direct conversion of carboxylic acids to sulfinic acids that is catalyzed by acridine photocatalysts and interfaced with copper-catalyzed sulfur-nitrogen bond-forming cross-couplings with both electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents.

Visible-light-induced sulfonylation of Baylis–Hillman acetates under metal- and oxidant-free conditions

A visible-light-driven metal- and oxidant-free procedure for the sulfonylation of Baylis–Hillman acetates with sulfonyl hydrazides under open-air conditions at room temperature is reported. The methods provide a green and facile synthetic route to access allylic sulfones.

An update on the use of sulfinate derivatives as versatile coupling partners in organic chemistry

The use of sulfinic acids and their salts continues to be extensively developed in organic chemistry. This is attributable to their dual capacity for acting as nucleophilic or electrophilic reagents, as well as their ease of preparation and stability on storage. This report highlights the research accomplished since 2015 on this topic, updating a previous review published by our team in 2014.

The same oxygenation-state introduction of hypervalent sulfur under transition-metal-free conditions

This review discusses the application of the same oxygenation-state introduction of hypervalent sulfur strategy under transition-metal-free conditions.

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides under ultraviolet irradiation: direct access to sulfonated cyclic compounds

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and silyl enolates or allylic bromide under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is accomplished. This protocol provides a convenient route to sulfonated cyclic compounds under mild conditions.

Photoinduced synthesis of 2-sulfonylacetonitriles with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is achieved, giving rise to 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles in moderate to good yields. Alkyl iodide is also workable under these conditions. This transformation proceeds smoothly under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope. Various functional groups are compatible including amino, ester, halo, and trifluoromethyl groups. No metal catalyst or additive is needed during the reaction process. Mechanistic studies show that under ultraviolet irradiation, an aryl radical is generated in situ from aryl iodide, which undergoes subsequent sulfonylation via the insertion of sulfur dioxide leading to arylsulfonyl radical intermediates. Then the arylsulfonyl radical reacts with 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol giving rise to the corresponding 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitrile.

Generation of (Z)-β-alkenyl alkylsulfones via a copper-catalyzed decarboxylative alkylsulfonylation

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of acrylamides, sulfur dioxide and phenyliodine(iii) dicarboxylates is developed. The conversion using phenyliodine dicarboxylates as alkyl radical precursors provides diverse (Z)-β-alkenyl alkylsulfones.

Photoredox-catalyzed synthesis of sulfones through deaminative insertion of sulfur dioxide

Katritzky salts are used as the alkyl radical precursors with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis. This transformation first enables direct generation of various alkylsulfonyl radicals by photoinduced single electron reduction, leading to diverse dialkyl sulfones in good to excellent yields. A radical pathway is proposed under visible-light induced conditions with the insertion of sulfur dioxide.

Bond-Forming and -Breaking Reactions at Sulfur(IV): Sulfoxides, Sulfonium Salts, Sulfur Ylides, and Sulfinate Salts

Organosulfur compounds have long played a vital role in organic chemistry and in the development of novel chemical structures and architectures. Prominent among these organosulfur compounds are those involving a sulfur(IV) center, which have been the subject of countless investigations over more than a hundred years. In addition to a long list of textbook sulfur-based reactions, there has been a sustained interest in the chemistry of organosulfur(IV) compounds in recent years. Of particular interest within organosulfur chemistry is the ease with which the synthetic chemist can effect a wide range of transformations through either bond formation or bond cleavage at sulfur. This review aims to cover the developments of the past decade in the chemistry of organic sulfur(IV) molecules and provide insight into both the wide range of reactions which critically rely on this versatile element and the diverse scaffolds that can thereby be synthesized.

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.

Thiourea dioxide as a source of sulfonyl groups: photoredox generation of sulfones and sulfonamides from heteroaryl/aryl halides

Thiourea dioxide as the source of sulfonyl groups for the efficient synthesis of heteroaryl sulfones and sulfonamides from heteroaryl halides under visible light irradiation is reported. This transformation proceeds smoothly via heteroaryl sulfinate intermediates, which can be trapped in situ by various electrophiles. A broad reaction scope is demonstrated, especially for the electron-deficient heteroaryl halides. Mechanistic studies show that the radical coupling of the heteroaryl radical and sulfur dioxide radical anion may be the key step during the reaction process, as supported by EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

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.

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.

Metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions are summarized. Usually, a broad reaction scope is observed including tertiary, secondary, and primary alkyl halides, with good functional group compatibility.

Substituted Hantzsch esters as radical reservoirs with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis

A three-component reaction between 4-substituted Hantzsch esters, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and vinyl azides in the presence of photoredox catalysts under visible light irradiation is developed. A range of (Z)-2-(alkylsulfonyl)-1-arylethen-1-amines is obtained in moderate to good yields with good regioselectivity and stereoselectivity.

Insertion of sulfur dioxide via a radical process: an efficient route to sulfonyl compounds

This review is focused on the recent advances in the chemistry of sulfur dioxide fixation through a radical process. Diverse sulfonyl compounds can be obtained efficiently under mild conditions.

Thiosulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under non-metallic conditions

A three-component reaction of 1-(2-allylaryl)thioureas, sulfur dioxide, and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates under mild conditions is realized, leading to sulfonated [3,1]-benzothiazepines in good yields. High efficiency is observed for this non-metallic transformation.

Photoinduced synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

Under visible light irradiation, a three-component reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sulfur dioxide and alkynes with the assistance of photocatalysis and in the presence of copper(ii) triflate is described. This transformation affords (E)-vinyl sulfones efficiently with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity under mild conditions.

Visible-light-induced methylsulfonylation/bicyclization of C(sp3)-tethered 1,7-enynes using a DMSO/H2O system

A visible light photocatalytic methylsulfonylation/bicyclization of C(sp³)-tethered 1,7-enynes has been established using a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/H₂O system as the methylsulfonyl source.

The triple role of rongalite in aminosulfonylation of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates: synthesis of N-aminosulfonamides via a radical coupling reaction

A novel synthesis strategy of N-aminosulfonamides has been reported which uses rongalite as a radical initiator, a SO₂ surrogate and a reducing reagent simultaneously.

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of C–H bonds with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of C–H bonds with the insertion of sulfur dioxide are summarized. C–H bond sulfonylation under transition metal catalysis or through a radical process has been developed. In some cases, the sulfonylation can be performed under catalyst- and additive-free conditions, or can be facilitated by visible light irradiation. The efficiency is also studied by merging the radical process and metal catalysis.

C–H bond sulfonylation of anilines with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under metal-free conditions

2-Sulfonylanilines are generated in moderate to good yields through a three-component reaction of anilines, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates under mild conditions. No metal catalysts or additives are needed for this transformation.