Ring-opening S-alkylation of sulfenamides with sulfonium salts

Abstract

Here, we reported a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of S-alkyl substituted sulfilimines by employing a base-promoted ring-opening reaction of sulfonium salts with sulfenamides. This reaction proceeds smoothly under transition metal-free conditions and under an air atmosphere, allowing facile access to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields through selective C–S bond cleavage and simultaneous formation of a new C–S bond. This strategy features a broad substrate scope and holds promise for applications in late-stage functionalization.