Aminoxidation of Arenethiols to N-Chloro-N-sulfonyl Sulfinamides

A simple and efficient method to synthesize N-chloro-N-sulfonylsulfinamides by the direct aminoxidation of arenethiols under aqueous and mild conditions is disclosed, geminally installing the oxo and amino groups on the sulfur atom of arenethiols. The products have been primarily developed as sulfinylation reagents to convert Grignard reagents into sulfoxides, and as amination reagents to convert secondary amines into hydrazine derivatives.