Nondirected Copper-Catalyzed Sulfoxidations of Benzylic C–H Bonds

Abstract

A copper-catalyzed sulfoxidation of benzylic C–H bonds by nondirected oxidative C­(sp³)-H activation was developed. The process proceeds via sulfenate anions, which are generated by base-triggered elimination of β-sulfinyl esters and benzyl radicals. The functional group tolerance is high, and the product yields are good