Organic photo- and electrochemistry currently experience tremendous attention in organic synthesis as both techniques enable reagent-less activation of organic molecules without using expensive and hazardeous redox reagents. The incorporation of...

Sulfonamides are among the most important chemical motifs in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, there is no methodology to directly introduce the sulfonamide group to a non‐prefunctionalized aromatic compound. Herein, we present the first dehydrogenative electrochemical sulfonamide synthesis protocol by exploiting the inherent reactivity of (hetero)arenes in a highly convergent reaction with SO2 and amines via amidosulfinate intermediate. The amidosulfinate serves a dual role as reactant and supporting electrolyte. Direct anodic oxidation of the aromatic compound triggers the reaction, followed by nucleophilic attack of the amidosulfinate. Boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrodes and a HFIP–MeCN solvent mixture enable selective formation of the sulfonamides. In total, 36 examples are demonstrated with yields up to 85 %.

This work presents the first electrochemical preparation of alkyl arylsulfonates by direct anodic oxidation of electron‐rich arenes. The reaction mechanism features a multi‐component reaction consisting of electron‐rich arenes, an alcohol of choice and excess SO 2 in an acetonitrile‐HFIP reaction mixture. In‐situ formed monoalkyl sulfites are considered as key intermediates with bifunctional purpose. Firstly, this species functions as nucleophile and secondly, excellent conductivity is provided. Several primary and secondary alcohols and electron‐rich arenes are implemented in this reaction to form the alkyl arylsulfonates in yields up to 73 % with exquisite selectivity. Boron‐doped diamond electrodes (BDD) are employed in divided cells, separated by a simple commercially available glass frit.

Herein we demonstrate the first electrochemical synthesis protocol of symmetrical sulfamides directly from anilines and SO2 mediated by iodide. Sulfamides are an emerging functional group in drug design. Highlights are...

Scheme 1. Selected approved drugs containing nitro functionalities.Scheme 2. Traditional approach (electrophilic aromatic substitution) in comparison to the electrochemical nitration with nitrite (this work); C gr = graphite.