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.

Three-component synthesis of arylsulfonyl-substituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinones and benzimidazo-[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones by SO2 insertion and radical cascade cyclization

An efficient arylsulfonylation/cyclization of 2-aryl-N-methacryloyl indoles with potassium metabisulfite and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates was developed. A series of variously substituted arylsulfonyl indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones were formed in moderate to good yields via utilization of the nature abundant inorganic salt potassium metabisulfite as a SO₂ surrogate. Additionally, this three-component protocol can also be employed for the synthesis of arylsulfonyl-substituted benzimidazo-[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones.

Photocatalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction toward the synthesis of N,N-disubstituted hydrazides and their bromides

An efficient strategy for the divergent synthesis of N,N-disubstituted hydrazides and their bromides is reported through photoredox-catalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N,N-disubstituted hydrazines and aldehydes.

Copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of arylhydrazine hydrochloride, DABSO, and NFSI for the synthesis of arenesulfonyl fluorides

This paper reports a convenient copper-catalyzed three-component conversion of arylhydrazine hydrochlorides to arenesulfonyl fluorides in good yields under mild conditions, using 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) (DABSO) as a sulfonyl source and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) as a fluorine source based on a radical sulfur dioxide insertion and fluorination strategy. Notably, arylhydrazine hydrochloride is used as a safe precursor of aryl radicals.

Mechanochemical synthesis of aromatic sulfonamides

A three-component Pd-catalysed aminosulfonylation reaction of K₂S₂O₅ and amine with aryl bromides or aromatic carboxylic acids was developed. This strategy was developed to utilise mechanical energy and accommodate primary as well as secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines to provide a new shortcut to a wide range of sulfonamides. Studies on the scope and limitations of the reaction indicated its tolerance of a vast range of functional groups and many structural patterns. The reactions were scaled up to gram quantities.

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.

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

Iminyl radical initiated sulfonylation of alkenes with rongalite under photoredox conditions

A photoredox-catalyzed reaction of oximes, rongalite and electrophiles is accomplished, affording pyrrole-substituted aliphatic sulfones or sulfonamides in moderate to good yields.

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.

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.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of O-Acyl Oximes via Iminyl Radicals with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide

A multicomponent sulfonylation of O-acyl oximes via iminyl radicals with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis is achieved. This multicomponent reaction of O-acyl oximes, potassium metabisulfite, alkenes, and nucleophiles under visible-light irradiation is efficient, giving rise to a range of sulfones in moderate to good yields. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility.

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.

Efficient synthesis of 3-sulfolenes from allylic alcohols and 1,3-dienes enabled by sodium metabisulfite as a sulfur dioxide equivalent

We present herein an efficient and practical method for a gram scale synthesis of 3-sulfolenes using sodium metabisulfite as a safe, inexpensive, and easy to handle sulfur dioxide equivalent. Diversely-substituted 3-sulfolenes can be prepared by reacting a variety of 1,3-dienes or allylic alcohols with sodium metabisulfite in aqueous hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) or in aqueous methanol in the presence of potassium hydrogen sulfate. Advantageously, the method enables conversion of allylic alcohols directly to 3-sulfolenes, bypassing intermediate 1,3-dienes.

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.

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.

An unexpected reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea under photoinduced conditions

A photoinduced synthesis of S-aryl thiosulfonates through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea is achieved. In this transformation, a radical coupling pathway is proposed.

Synthesis of β-hydroxysulfones through a copper(ii)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A copper(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative reaction of arylhydrazines, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and alkenes is reported. Diverse β-hydroxysulfones are generated in moderate to good yields through the hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. In some cases, β-ketosulfones are produced.

Visible-light-induced cascade sulfonylation/cyclization of N-propargylindoles with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates via the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A simple and efficient visible-light-catalyzed cascade sulfonylation/cyclization of N-propargylindoles with K₂S₂O₅ and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates for the construction of 2-sulfonyl-substituted 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles is developed.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement under visible light irradiation is developed.

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.

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical reactions

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of alkenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide are summarized. Two strategies for the sulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide have been developed.

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.

Metal-free C–H arylation of imidazoheterocycles with aryl hydrazines

Metal-free C–H arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines at C-3 position with arylhydrazines in presence of DBU has been developed at room temperature under ambient air.

Synthesis of sulfonated naphthols via C–H bond functionalization with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A three-component reaction of naphthols, sulfur dioxide, and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates catalyzed by iron(iii) chloride through a radical process via direct C–H functionalization is developed, leading to diverse sulfonated naphthols in good yields.

Benzylic C(sp3)–H bond sulfonylation of 4-methylphenols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photocatalysis

Sulfonylation of the benzylic C–H bond is developed through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, 4-methylphenols and sodium metabisulfite (Na₂S₂O₅). The inorganic sulfite of sodium metabisulfite is used as the SO₂ surrogate.

Generation of sulfonated isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones under photocatalysis through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

Generation of sulfonated isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones starting from 2-vinylbenzoic acids, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, and DABCO˙(SO₂)₂ under photocatalysis in the presence of visible light is achieved. Additionally, the method can be extended to 4-phenylpent-4-enoic acid and 5-phenylhex-5-enoic acid.

Synthesis of 6-(sulfonylmethyl)phenanthridines through a reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, and vinyl azides

Synthesis of 6-(sulfonylmethyl)phenanthridines through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, a sulfur dioxide surrogate of DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and vinyl azides under metal- and additive-free conditions is achieved.