SULBOR · A Radical access to S(IV) compounds via modular coupling with alkyl halides using boryl radicals

Sulfur(VI) compounds like sulphonamides, sulfonimidamides and sulfondiimidamides are increasingly used for the design and development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, despite their societal relevance, the preparation of these derivatives, especially sulfonimidamides and sulfondiimidamides, is still very challenging. Current methods relys on the use of toxic and pyrophoric reagents and often offer minimum versatility for divergency and diversification.The development of a general, sustainable and divergent approach to these molecules has the potential to impact the discovery and the evolution of high-value materials.In this work we propose a fundamentally novel approach to access sulfonimidamides and sulfondiimidamides by developing an innovative three-component coupling reaction between commercial alkyl halides, N-nucleophiles and sulfur(VI) linchpin reagents. The methodology will use boryl radical-mediated halogen-atom transfer to convert the alkyl halide into the corresponding radical for a sequential reaction with the sulfur(VI) linchpin and then, aided by a copper catalyst, with the N-nucleophile.The development of this strategy will provide an innovative and streamlined approach towards molecules of high academic and industrial interest but that are still very difficult to access.This research squarely fits within the expertise of the Leonori group in the generation and use of boryl radicals in synthesis and catalysis.The completion of such an innovative and ambitious project at RWTH Aachen University will be facilitated by generating, transferring, sharing and disseminating knowledge, and will enhance the Researcher future career following the training plan envisioned.