Photocatalytic synthesis of alkyl–alkyl sulfones via direct C(sp³)–H bond functionalization

We report a highly efficient one-pot, three-component strategy for the construction of alkyl–alkyl sulfones through a photoinduced TBADT-catalyzed C(sp³)–H sulfonylation of unactivated hydrocarbon compounds. A wide range of commercially available hydrocarbon compounds and bioactive molecules can be successfully applied to the catalytic system, affording the corresponding alkyl–alkyl sulfones in good to excellent yields (>50 examples, up to 87% yield).