One-step copper-assisted synthesis of ▫$alpha$▫-(styrylsulfonyl)amides via ▫$SO_2$▫ incorporation under visible light

α-(Styrylsulfonyl)amides and their related ester analogs are an important class of substances that have been widely used as precursors toward bioactive compounds. While most existing methods for the preparation of related compounds include either multiple steps or the use of precious metals, the method presented in this paper utilizes copper and visible light to produce α-(styrylsulfonyl)amides and α-(styrylsulfonyl)esters from α-bromoamides or esters, SO$_2$ and styrenes in moderate to high yield in a single step. The mechanism of the newly developed method is investigated and likely differs from related methods for the photocatalyzed fixation of SO$_2$ into organic scaffolds.