Difunctionalization of unactivated olefins selective electrochemical chlorosulfuration or chlorosulfoxidation

• Published in: Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource : GC 2022-08, Vol.24 (15), p.576-5763
• Main Authors: Zhou, Pan, Niu, Kaikai, Song, Hongjian, Liu, Yuxiu, Wang, Qingmin
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 1463-9262; 1463-9270
• DOI: 10.1039/d2gc02134j

Direct difunctionalization of olefins-which are the most commonly used compounds in organic synthesis-is a powerful tool for rapid formation of structurally complex building blocks from readily available starting materials. However, difunctionalization of unactivated olefins remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we describe a green, cost-effective, and eco-friendly electrochemical protocol for selective chlorosulfuration or chlorosulfoxidation of unactivated alkenes. This electrochemical method creates the potential possibility for the preparation of high-value-added products in a more sustainable and greener manner. We introduced a combination of simple graphite electrodes, mild conditions, and a simple workup procedure for the selective preparation of sulfides or sulfoxides via unactivated olefins and thiophenols through a green electrochemical protocol.