Sulfoximines: a reusable directing group for chemo- and regioselective ortho C-H oxidation of arenes.

Sulfoximines direct: a new protocol for the chemo- and regioselective ortho C-H acetoxylation of arenes in N-benzoylated sulfoximines is reported. The sulfoximine directing group is easily detached from the C-H oxidation product through acid-promoted hydrolysis, isolated, and reused. The meta-substituted phenols are synthesized following this strategy and the stereointegrity of the sulfoximine is preserved in this transformation. C(sp(3))-H acetoxylation of the methyl group is also demonstrated.