Three-Component Synthesis of α-Aminoperoxides Using Primary and Secondary Dialkylzinc Reagents with O2 and α-Amido Sulfones

A straightforward strategy for the synthesis of unprecedented alpha-aminoperoxides bearing primary and secondary alkylperoxide substituents is described. Commercially available dialkylzinc reagents are oxidized with molecular oxygen and the consequent peroxide species react with stable (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic alpha-amido sulfones in excellent yields (>90%). The now available alpha-aminoperoxides are of potential interest in medicinal chemistry, specifically for the synthesis of antimalarial compounds. Moreover, modification of the reaction conditions selectively leads to N,O-acetals in good yields.