Nickel/Light-Driven Catalysis Enables Site-Selective Sulfoximination of Electron-Rich Arenes

Aryl sulfoximines have emerged as privileged motifs in
drug discovery,
offering a versatile alternative to sulfonamides and sulfones due
to their unique physicochemical and pharmacological properties. However,
the direct synthesis of N-aryl sulfoximines from
electron-rich arenes remains challenging. Here, we present a nickel/light-driven N-arylation of sulfoximines using redox-active arylthianthrenium
salts, providing a general and efficient strategy for constructing
C–N bonds across a broad range of sulfoximines. The method
also exhibits broad applicability to sulfamides and imines, enabling
late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutically relevant molecules
and direct access to free anilines. Mechanistic investigations, including
radical quenching, control experiments, and Hammett analysis, support
a nickel/light-induced radical pathway.