Visible-Light-Driven Radical Multicomponent Reaction of 2-Vinylanilines, Sulfonyl Chlorides, and Sulfur Ylides for Synthesis of Indolines

A visible-light-driven photoredox-catalyzed multicomponent reaction of 2-vinylanilines, sulfonyl chlorides, and sulfur ylides is described. This protocol features redox-neutral mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance, providing access to various sulfonated 2,3-disubstituted indolines. The product can be transformed to a diverse range of functionalized indoles by a selective aromatization/nucleophilic substitution process. Mechanistic investigations suggest that both sulfonyl chlorides and sulfur ylides serve as radical sources, and the reaction proceeds through a sequential radical addition/addition/thermal S(N)2-substitution process.