TMSOTf-Promoted Sulfinylation of Electron-Rich Aromatics with Sodium Arylsulfinates

A new transition-metal-free route for the direct sulfinylation of electron-rich aromatics with sodium arylsulfinates in the presence of TMSOTf is reported. Various electron-rich aromatics, including pyrroles, thiophenes, indoles, and electron-rich arenes, with sodium arylsulfinates are converted into the corresponding sulfoxides in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol possesses many advantages such as readily available and stable starting materials, broad substrate scopes, and transition-metal-free reaction conditions.