Electrochemical Synthesis of Sulfonamides in Graphite Powder Macro Electrode

The electrochemical generation of sulfinyl radicals from commercially available and non-expensive sodium salts of sulfinic acids is described. Electrooxidation reactions were carried out in graphite powder macroelectrode using aqueous electrolyte and cavity cell. Further reaction with primary or secondary amines gave the corresponding sulfonamides, a unit present in several biologically active compounds and pharmaceuticals, in good yields.