Electrochemical synthesis of sulfonamides in a graphite powder macroelectrode

The electrochemical generation of sulfinyl radicals from commercially available and non-expensive sodium salts of sulfinic acids is described. Electrooxidation reactions were carried out in a graphite powder macroelectrode using an aqueous electrolyte and cavity cell. Further reaction with primary or secondary amines gave the corresponding sulfonamides, a unit present in several biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals, in good yields.