Copper-boryl mediated transfer hydrogenation of N-sulfonyl imines using methanol as the hydrogen donor

Abstract

B 2 Pin 2 -assisted copper-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of aromatic sulfonylimines has been achieved, delivering a variety of aryl/heteroaryl sulfonamides in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions and with methanol as the hydrogen source. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction may proceed via a transient α-borylated intermediate, followed by protodeboration to afford the sulfonamide products. • Copper-mediated catalysis. • Transfer hydrogenation. • Aryl sulfonamides. • Heteroaryl sulfonamides.