Metal-Free Direct Access to N-Sulfonyl Amidines from Sulfonamides and Secondary Amines Involving Tandem C-N Bond Formations

J Org Chem. 2022 Sep 2;87(17):11644-11655. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01292. Epub 2022 Aug 17.

Abstract

We report a mild and efficient metal-free one-pot procedure for the synthesis of N-sulfonyl amidines via the direct reaction of sulfonamides with secondary amines without using any additives. A wide range of substrates with variety of functional groups is well tolerated under the reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the secondary amine plays a dual role as a C1 source of the amidine group and an aminating agent. Synthetic utility of this method is shown in the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules on the gram scale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amidines*
  • Amines* / chemistry
  • Metals
  • Sulfonamides

Substances

  • Amidines
  • Amines
  • Metals
  • Sulfonamides