Flow Electrosynthesis of Sulfoxides, Sulfones, and Sulfoximines without Supporting Electrolytes

An efficient electrochemical flow process for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones and of sulfoxides to N-cyanosulfoximines has been developed. In total, 69 examples of sulfoxides, sulfones, and N-cyanosulfoximines have been synthesized in good to excellent yields and with high current efficiencies. The synthesis was assisted and facilitated through a supporting electrolyte-free, fully automated electrochemical protocol that highlights the advantages of flow electrolysis.

Automated summary

An efficient electrochemical flow process has been developed for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones, as well as sulfoxides to N-cyanosulfoximines. A total of 69 examples of sulfoxides, sulfones, and N-cyanosulfoximines were synthesized in good to excellent yields with high current efficiencies using a supporting electrolyte-free, fully automated electrochemical protocol that highlights the advantages of flow electrolysis.