Oxidative C-S bond cleavage reaction of DMSO for C-N and C-C bond formation: new Mannich-type reaction for β-amino ketones

A novel oxidative C-S bond cleavage reaction of DMSO for N-methylation and subsequent C-C bond formation is described. A series of aryl ketones as well as acetone derivatives could be selectively converted into the corresponding beta-amino ketones. Mechanistic studies suggested that N-methylation between imine and DMSO was involved in the reaction.