Generation of trifluoromethyl thiolsulphonate through one-pot reaction of sulfonyl chloride and trifluoromethanesulfanylamides

A novel and efficient tandem reaction of sulfonyl chloride and trifluoromethylsulfanylamide is described here for the synthesis of various trifluoromethyl thiolsulphonates with a broad functional group tolerance. In the process, it is believed that sulfinate generated from sulfonyl chloride is a critical intermediate and the additive 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) facilitates the formation of "CF3S+". Electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of in situ generated sulfinate and "CF3S+" provides the final products.