Abstract
A novel Co(OAc)2/N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI)-catalyzed oxidation of 3-arylmethyl sulfonyl imines to prepare 3-arylcarbonyl analogues has been realized. 3-Arylcarbonyl sulfonyl imines were comprehensively synthesized from benzyl substrates for the first time. The reactions proceeded in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigation suggests that 3-(hydroperoxy(phenyl)methyl)benzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxide A is the key intermediate for the formation of products 2.