Visible Light‐Induced Synthesis of γ‐Amino Sulfones from Vinyl Sulfones and Amino Acids

Abstract

A method for the synthesis of γ‐amino sulfones through visible light‐induced oxidative decarboxylation and radical reductive addition is described. Various readily available N‐protected natural amino acids react with aromatic/aliphatic vinyl sulfones to directly produce γ‐amino sulfone derivatives. This reaction is also applicable to α‐N(O)‐acids and other aliphatic carboxylic acids, resulting in the corresponding sulfone derivatives. The method operates without the need for sacrificial reducing agents or additional hydrogen atom donors. The sole by‐product is CO2 released from decarboxylation, rendering the process both atom‐ and step‐economical.