1,8-Diazabicyclo5.4.0]undec-7-ene-mediated formation of N-sulfinyl imines

A facile and efficient method was developed for the preparation of a variety of aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl N-sulfinyl imines using 1,8-diazabicyclo5.4.0]undec-7-ene. In addition to tert-butanesulfinamide, the condensation is also effective with p-toluenesulfinamide. The reaction was performed at room temperature and produces the corresponding N-sulfinyl imines in excellent yields in the absence of acids, metals, and additives. This methodology is also useful for the preparation of N-sulfinyl imines on gram scale. A one-pot synthesis was developed using aryl and heteroaryl alcohols with both tert-butanesulfinamide and p-toluenesulfinamide at room temperature, resulting in the corresponding N-sulfinyl imines with good yields