Sulfenylation of bioactive maleimides, acrylates and cyclohexenones under ambient organophotocatalysis

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrate the visible light-induced sulfenylation of maleimides, acrylates and cyclohexenones using cheap and easily available organophotoredox catalysts, eosin Y and thiols, under aerobic and ambient conditions. The reported metal-free protocol features operational simplicity, employs an inexpensive organic photocatalyst and tolerates a broad range of functionalities. Notably, this is the first report on organophoto-catalyzed visible light-mediated thiolation of maleimides, acrylates and cyclohexenones, and these valuable motifs are widespread structural elements in natural products and drug molecules.