Electro-promoted radical-radical cross-coupling reaction to synthesize sulfonamides

An electrochemical decarbonylation of DMF to achieve N,N-dimethyl amino radical and denitrification of sulfonyl hydrazide to achieve sulfonyl radical in the absence of transition metal and additional oxidant was reported here. Signifyingly, cross-coupling reaction rather than homocoupling reactions completely prevail in competition to obtain sulfonamides, which usually exist as skeletons of pharmaceuticals. This work provides a new method for cracking DMF into N,N-dimethylamino radical, and found a value-added application of this industrialized bulk chemical to the synthesis of sulfonamides.