Electrically Driven N(sp2)- C(sp2/3) Bond Cleavage of Sulfonamides

Abstract

Sulfonamides are a privileged class of functional groups in medicinal chemistry and an important class of protecting groups in organic synthesis. We report the discovery and development of unexpected electrically driven N(sp2)-C(sp2) and N(sp2)-C(sp3) bond cleavage reactions alongside a dehydrogenative C-O bond coupling reaction under batch and electroflow conditions. Intra-molecular trapping experiments with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide gave insight into the intermediacy of an N-sulfonyliminium ion en route to the related drug metabolite, chlorothiazide. Using only electrons as the oxidant, this is a green and sustainable technological advancement for sulfonamide deprotection chemistry and drug metabolism studies.