Catalytic, metal-free sulfonylcyanation of alkenes via visible light organophotoredox catalysis

Abstract

The group transfer radical addition of olefins with tosyl cyanide has been accomplished via visible light-induced organophotoredox catalysis. A diverse array of olefins is amenable to this protocol, furnishing β-sulfonyl nitriles with excellent efficiency under metal-free and redox-neutral conditions. A closed catalytic cycle is operative in this transformation, providing complementary reactivity to the classic radical chain process.