Visible light organophotoredox catalysis: a general approach to β-keto sulfoxidation of alkenes

A mild, simple, efficient and metal-free approach to beta-keto sulfoxides utilising eosin Y as an organophotoredox catalyst has been developed. This general protocol offers a direct and rapid difunctionalization of alkenes using thiophenols and atmospheric oxygen at room temperature in a one-pot procedure. The utilisation of visible light and air (O-2) as inexpensive, readily available, non-toxic and eco-sustainable reagents makes this protocol compatible with the green chemistry demands.