Catalyst-free alkylation of sulfinic acids with sulfonamides via sp(3) C-N bond cleavage at room temperature.

An unprecedented catalyst-free alkylation of sulfinic acids with sulfonamides has been developed via sp(3) C-N bond cleavage at room temperature. In the absence of external catalysts and additives, a wide variety of N-benzylic and N-allylic sulfonamides couple with sulfinic acids to give structurally diversified sulfones in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, the reaction of N-(2-acyl)allylic sulfonamides with sulfinic acids provides a convenient access to trisubstituted allyl sulfones with exclusive Z selectivity.