Sulfenylcarbenes and sulfenylnitrenes in organic synthesis

Sulfenylcarbenes and sulfenylnitrenes are ambiphilic intermediates possessing an unoxidized sulfur atom adjacent to their reactive center. Their unique properties and tunable reactivity make them a model species for studying carbenes and nitrenes in cycloaddition reactions, atom incorporation, late-stage functionalizations, among other applications. They have gained significant attention recently and hold considerable promise for novel reaction development and discovery. Herein, we analyze the chemistry of sulfenylcarbenes and sulfenylnitrenes, emphasizing their generation and applications in contemporary organic synthesis.