Direct conversion of thiols and disulfides into sulfonamides

The H(2)O(2)-ZrCl(4) reagent system is used as a new and efficient reagent for the conversion of thiols and disulfides into sulfonamides. The protocol offers several advantages such as excellent yields of products and extremely fast reactions at room temperature. The reagent system is very easy to handle and is environmentally safe and economical. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.