Iron-catalyzed synthesis of arylsulfinates through radical coupling reaction

Abstract

A novel strategy for installation of a sulfonyl fragment into arenes has been accomplished via an iron-catalyzed radical coupling reaction. Arene radicals derived from diaryliodoniums via single electron transfer reaction combine with sulfoxylate anion radicals readily generated from commercially available rongalite (HOCH₂SO₂Na·2H₂O) to afford arylsulfinates efficiently at room temperature. In this protocol, a broad range of functional groups are tolerated to give products in good yields.