Ring-opening S-alkylation of sulfonium salts with sulfenamides

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 and ambient air conditions, 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 application in late-stage functionalization.