Synthesis of N-sulfenylimines via an electrochemical radical coupling of amines and thiols mediated by bromide ions.

An efficient electrochemical dehydrogenative coupling reaction between amines and thiols at room temperature has been developed, which includes the formation of imine intermediate and N–S bond as key steps enabling rapid synthesis of N -sulfenylimines. The method successfully applies to a wide range of amines as well as structurally diverse thiols, exhibiting excellent functional group tolerance. The reaction also can be scaled up which provides an efficient and green method for N -sulfenylimines. An efficient cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction between amines and thiols under electrochemical conditions has been developed, which successfully applies to a wide range of amines as well as structurally diverse thiols providing N -sulfenylimines with up to 98 % yields. [Display omitted] • An interesting electrochemical coupling reaction between amines and thiols mediated by bromide ions was reported. • The reaction features mild conditions and wide substrate scope, also can be conducted in large-scale. • This reaction provides an efficient and green access to N -sulfenylimines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]