Aerobic synthesis of N-sulfonylamidines mediated by N-heterocyclic carbene copper(I) catalysts

Abstract

A new catalytic strategy for the one-pot synthesis of N-sulfonylamidines is described. The cationic copper(I) complexes were found to be highly active and efficient under mild conditions in air and in the absence of solvent. A copper acetylide is proposed as key intermediate in this transformation.