The Rh(<scp>ii</scp>)-catalyzed formal N–S bond insertion reaction of aryldiazoacetates into N-phenyl-sulfenyl phthalimide

The Rh(ii)-catalyzed sulfur ylide [1,2]-rearrangement of carbenoids generated from aryldiazoacetates has been realized via N-S bond insertion, generating tertiary sulfides in moderate to excellent yields. This demonstrates the first use of the sulfur ylide [1,2]-rearrangement undergoing N-S bond insertion. This protocol could proceed smoothly with high regioselectivity, low catalyst loading (0.1 mol% Rh2(OAc)4), gram-scale reaction and broad substrate scope. And the product could be converted into glycine derivatives through simple procedures.