Indirect Anodic Monofluorodesulfurization of β-Phenylsulfenyl β-lactams Using a Triarylamine Mediator

Indirect anodic oxidation of β-phenylsulfenyl β-lactams was carried out using a catalytic amount of triarylamine as a mediator in acetonitrile containing fluoride ions; regioselective monofluorodesulfurization took place to give the corresponding β-fluorinated β-lactams in good yields. This is the first successful example of triarylamine-mediated anodic fluorodesulfurization.