Formation of N-sulfonyl imines from iminoiodinanes by iodine-promoted, N-centered radical sulfonamidation of aldehydes

A mild and operationally convenient formation of synthetically valuable N-sulfonyl imines from a range of aryl aldehydes by reaction with iminoiodinanes (PhINZ) and I₂ has been developed. According to mechanistic experiments described within, the reaction is speculated to proceed through an unconventional light-promoted, N-centered radical (NCR) pathway involving a N,N-diiodosulfonamide reactive species. This method not only provides a new pathway toward the production of activated imines, but also serves as an example of a non-traditional means of carbonyl activation via an NCR species.