Regioselective Synthesis of Sulfonyl-Containing Benzyl Dithiocarbamates through Copper-Catalyzed Thiosulfonylation of Styrenes

An efficient approach for the preparation of sulfonyl-containing benzyl dithiocarbamates has been developed using tetraalkylthiuram disulfides as the thiolating agents and sulfonyl chlorides as the sulfonyl sources in the presence of the copper catalyst. The dithiocarbamate group together with the sulfonyl group was simultaneously introduced into styrene in chemo- and regioselective manners. This protocol provides a convenient procedure, with good yields and functional group tolerance to various important sulfonyl-containing benzyl dithiocarbamates.