Aerobic Copper-Catalyzed\nOxysulfonylation of Vinylarenes\nwith Sodium Sulfinates under Mild Conditions: A Modular Synthesis\nof β‑Ketosulfones

An aerobic copper-catalyzed oxysulfonylation of vinylarenes\nwith\nsodium sulfinates is described. This protocol features mild reaction\nconditions, convenient operation, and broad substrate scope with respect\nto vinylarenes and sodium sulfinates. Notably, the protocol demonstrates\nexcellent tolerance of functional groups such as chloro, bromo, ester,\ncyano, and nitro groups. Mechanistic investigations indicated that\nthe reaction should undergo radical cascades involving a sulfonyl\nradical generated from sodium sulfinate with air as the terminal oxidant,\naddition across alkene to deliver a benzylic radical, and subsequent\ncross-coupling with air.