Transition-metal- and oxidant-free directed anodic C-H sulfonylation of N,N-disubstituted anilines with sulfinates

A new, practical directed anodic C-H sulfonylation of N,N-disubstituted anilines with sodium sulfinates for producing o- or p-amino arylsulfones and diarylsulfones is described. Employing the anodic strategy, the reaction proceeds efficiently under mild (room temperature) and transition-metal- and chemical oxidant-free conditions, and enables the formation of C-S bonds via directed activation of ortho- or para-C-H bond to the amino group with broad substrate scope and excellent site selectivity.