Synthesis of sulfoximine propargyl carbamates under improved conditions for rhodium catalyzed carbamate transfer to sulfoxides

Sulfoximines provide aza-analogues of sulfones, with potentially improved properties for medicinal chemistry. The sulfoximine nitrogen also provides an additional vector for the inclusion of other functionality. Here, we report improved conditions for rhodium catalyzed synthesis of sulfoximine (and sulfilimine) carbamates, especially for previously low-yielding carbamates containing pi-functionality. Notably we report the preparation of propargyl sulfoximine carbamates to provide an alkyne as a potential click handle. Using Rh2(esp)2 as catalyst and a DOE optimization approach provided considerably increased yields