Nickel-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of C(sp2)-H Bonds with Sodium Sulfinates

The first nickel-catalyzed ortho-sulfonylation of C(sp(2))-H bonds with sodium sulfinates directed by (pyridin-2-yl) isopropylamine (PIP-amine) is described. This strategy exhibits a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance with high monosulfonylation selectivity. Besides arenes and heteroarenes, the reaction can also be extended to alkenes, providing diverse diaryl and alkyl aryl sulfones in high yields. Furthermore, a plausible Ni(I)/Ni(III) mechanism is outlined based on our experimental results and related precedents.