One-Pot Synthesis of Sulfonamides and Sulfonyl Azides from Thiols using Chloramine-T

A convenient synthesis of sulfonamides and sulfonyl azides from thiols is described. In situ preparation of sulfonyl chlorides from thiols was accomplished by oxidation with chloramine-T (=N-chlorotosylamide=N-chloro-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide), tetrabutylammonium chloride (Bu4NCl), and H2O. The sulfonyl chlorides were then further allowed to react with excess amine or NaN3 in the same pot.