Sulfoximidations of Benzylic C-H bonds by Photocatalysis

An efficient photocatalytic functionalization of compounds with benzylic C-H bonds by sulfoximidation in visible light is described. The mild reaction conditions allow the use of a broad array of substrates, including diarylmethane, alkyl arenes, arylacetonitrile, 2-arylacetate, and alkynyl aryl methanes. The sulfoximidation process is highly chemoselective and leads to the corresponding sulfoximines in generally good yields. Mechanistic investigations suggested the intermediacy of sulfoximidoyl radicals.