Electrochemical Sulfonylation-Induced Lactonization of Alkenes: Synthesis of Sulfonyl Phthalides

An electrochemical cascade sulfonylation and lactonization process of alkenes and a most widely used arylsulfonylation reagent-sulfonyl hydrazines-was developed for the first time. This electrochemical sulfonyl lactonization avoided the use of toxic metal catalysts or stoichiometric oxidants and was carried out under mild conditions. The target product gamma-sulfonylated phthalides with broad and excellent substrate tolerance were achieved.

Automated summary

An electrochemical cascade sulfonylation and lactonization process using arylsulfonyl hydrazines as the reactants and alkenes as substrates was developed for the first time. This method avoids the use of toxic metal catalysts or stoichiometric oxidants and can be carried out under mild conditions. The desired gamma-sulfonylated phthalides with broad substrate tolerance were successfully obtained.