Direct condensation of sulfonamide and formamide: NaI-catalyzed synthesis of N-sulfonyl formamidine using TBHP as oxidant.

A new N-sulfonyl formamidine synthesis was developed via NaI-catalyzed direct condensation of sulfonamide and formamide. The green methodology is featured by high atom economy, easily available starting materials, the lack of need for a transition-metal catalyst, no requirement of hazardous reagent, operational simplicity, and good tolerance with diverse functional groups. Mechanistic studies suggest that the protocol proceeds based upon in situ generated TsN·NaI.