Alkyl (Het)Arylsulfones from SuFEx Reagents via Photochemical S-F Bond Activation

Abstract

A visible light-induced S-F bond activation of sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reagents to generate alkyl sulfones is described. The method is free of transition metals and relies on the use of commercially available commodity chemicals. In addition, this method demonstrates the first photoredox functionalization of SuFEx reagents. The reaction has a diverse substrate scope, with applications in various aryl sulfonyl fluorides, both activated and unactivated alkenes.