Electrochemical selective incorporation of SO2 to synthesize fused-ring framework compounds

Abstract

The direct incorporation of sulfur dioxide into organic molecules, resulting in sulfur dioxide-containing compounds, aligns with the principle of achieving a high atom economy within the domain of organic synthesis. This paper presents an electrochemical synthesis method that is both mild and exceptionally efficient for the construction of fused-ring framework compounds. Notable attributes of this technique include its remarkable efficiency, the exclusion of transition metals, and the elimination of the need for a supporting electrolyte. Within a straightforward undivided cell setup, SO₂ undergoes selective insertion to generate two distinct families of fused-ring framework compounds. This radical cascade reaction provides a concise and efficient means for capturing small molecule species.