Direct C-H-Sulfonylation of 6-Membered Nitrogen-Heteroaromatics

Heterocyclic sulfones and sulfonamides represent important structural motives in medicinal chemistry and drug development. Therefore, efficient and reliable methods for their construction from simple building blocks are in high demand. Herein we report a novel approach for the direct C-H-sulfonylation of N heteroaromatics via N-activation with triflic anhydride (Tf2O), base-mediated addition of a sulfinate salt and subsequent rearomatization through trifluoromethanesulfinate elimination. This operationally simple one-pot protocol enables direct access to various sulfonylated 6-ring N-heterocycles. It is applicable to the late-stage functionalization of complex, drug-like molecules. The direct incorporation of sulfur dioxide with organometallic reagents as well as the utilization of a rongalite-based sulfonylation reagent provide opportunities for a highly modular synthesis of N-heterocyclic sulfones and sulfonamides from three different building blocks.