Hydroxysulfenylation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes Through an Aerobic Copper Catalysis.

A copper-catalyzed hydroxysulfenylation of α,β-unsaturated esters/amides is reported. The method presents a selective and efficient synthesis of β-hydroxysulfides bearing electron-withdrawing groups. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by the concise synthesis of the anticancer drug bicalutamide.