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

Abstract

An efficient electrochemical flow process for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones and of sulfoxides to <i>N</i>-cyanosulfoximines has been developed. In total, 69 examples of sulfoxides, sulfones, and <i>N</i>-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.