Synthesis of Sulfilimines via Selective S-C Bond Formation in Water

Org Lett. 2023 Mar 31;25(12):2134-2138. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00604. Epub 2023 Mar 20.

Abstract

Sulfilimines are valuable compounds both in organic synthesis and in pharmaceuticals. Here we developed a mild and simplified method for preparation of sulfilimines via selective S-C bond formation rather than traditional S-N bond formation. The method is both attractive and useful for the following reasons: it uses a readily available alkylation reagent such alkyl bromide or alkyl iodide, it uses water as solvent, it is easy to perform, and it is convenient for late-stage diversification of drugs.