Birch reduction of benzenesulfonamide, N,N-dimethylbenzenesulfonamide, N,N-diisobutylbenzenesulfonamide, and 2-mesitylenesulfonamide

It has been previously shown that benzenesulfonamide gives thiophenol and diphenyldisulfide upon Birch reduction. The sulfonamide group is easily reduced. Probably the electron deficient sulfur atom in sulfonamide can accommodate an electron easily. The present study involved the Birch reduction of benzenesulfonamide, N,N-dimethylbenzenesulfonamide, N,N-diisobutylbenzenesulfonamide and 2-mesitylenesulfonamide