Electrochemical NH-Sulfoximidation with α-Keto Acids

An electrochemical N-acylation of sulfoximine has been achieved via the coupling of α-keto acids and NH-sulfoximines. This process involves the sequential cleavage of C-C bond followed by C(sp²)-N bond formation, with the liberation of H₂ and CO₂ as the by-products. A library of N-aroylated sulfoximines is produced via the coupling of aroyl and sulfoximidoyl radicals by anodic oxidation under constant current electrolysis (CCE). The compatibility of the present protocol has been demonstrated by coupling of various bio-active compounds, such as NH-sulfoximine derived from (-)-borneol, L-menthol, D-glucose derivative, and some commercial drugs such as flurbiprofen, and ibuprofen. This late-stage functionalization highlights the importance of this sustainable protocol. Besides this, various control experiments and detection of H₂ evolution have been performed to support the proposed mechanism.