Electrochemically generated N-iodoaminium species as key intermediates for selective methyl sulphonylimination of tertiary amines

Reported herein is a straightforward protocol for approaching N-sulphonylamidines via an electricity-driven, iodine-mediated cross dehydrogenative condensation (CDC) between sulphonamides and tertiary amines, which features exclusive N-CH3 selectivity for the amine partners. Mechanistic studies indicate that an in situ generated N-iodoaminium species serves as the key intermediate.