Electrosynthesis of N-unsubstituted enaminosulfones from vinyl azides and sodium sulfinates mediated by NH4I

Abstract

A wide range of N-unsubstituted enaminosulfones were obtained via electrochemical sulfonylation of vinyl azides with sulfonyl radicals generated from sodium sulfinates. The discovery of N-unsubstituted enaminosulfones synthesis is based on a unique ability of the azido group to eliminate the N2 molecule. The process is performed under constant current conditions in an experimentally convenient undivided electrochemical cell equipped with a graphite anode and a stainless steel cathode applying NH4I both as the redox catalyst and the supporting electrolyte.