Electrochemical Synthesis of β-Amino Sulfoxides from Aryl Imines and DMSO under Mild Conditions

Abstract

We herein report a mild electrochemical protocol for the direct synthesis of β-amino sulfoxides from aryl imines and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as starting materials. This synthetic strategy features readily available feedstocks, externally added strong-base-free and oxidant-free conditions, good substrate compatibility, and high step and atom economy. It thus provides a practical synthetic route for the green and efficient construction of functional sulfoxide derivatives. Mechanistic investigations suggest the involvement of reactive α-aminobenzyl and DMSO-derived radical intermediates.