Reductive Cleavage of Secondary Sulfonamides: Converting Terminal Functional Groups into Versatile Synthetic Handles
Keyword(s):
Sulfonamides are pervasive in drugs and agrochemicals, yet are typically considered as terminal functional groups rather than synthetic handles. To enable the general late-stage functionalization of secondary sulfonamides, we have developed a mild and general method to reductively cleave the N-S bonds of sulfonamides to generate sulfinates and amines, components which can further react <i>in-situ</i> to access a variety of other medicinally relevant functional groups. The utility of this platform is highlighted by the selective manipulation of several complex bioactive molecules.