Sulfonamidation of Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides through Photosensitized Nickel Catalysis

Herein we report a highly efficient method for nickel‐catalyzed C−N bond formation between sulfonamides and aryl electrophiles. This technology provides generic access to a broad range of N‐aryl and N‐heteroaryl sulfonamide motifs, which are widely represented in drug discovery. Initial mechanistic studies suggest an energy‐transfer mechanism wherein C−N bond reductive elimination occurs from a triplet excited NiII complex. Late‐stage sulfonamidation in the synthesis of a pharmacologically relevant structure is also demonstrated. A method for C−N bond formation between sulfonamides and aryl electrophiles is reported. This method provides generic access to a broad range of N‐aryl and N‐heteroaryl sulfonamide motifs, which are widely represented in drug discovery. Initial mechanistic studies suggest an energy‐transfer mechanism wherein C−N bond reductive elimination occurs from a triplet excited NiII complex.