NaI-mediated α-keto-acylation of <i>NH</i>-sulfoximines with aryl methyl ketones

A room-temperature NaI-mediated oxidative sulfoximidation of aryl methyl ketones to synthesize α-keto-<i>N</i>-acyl sulfoximines has been disclosed. This metal- and base-free <i>NH</i>-sulfoximidation is facilitated by <i>tert</i>-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant, affording α-ketoamides with good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and scalability. Mechanistic investigations indicate the intermediacy of radicals and highlight molecular oxygen's significance as the oxygen source.