Synthesis of N-arylsulfonamides via Fe-promoted reaction of sulfonyl halides with nitroarenes in an aqueous medium.

A fascinating Fe-promoted protocol for the synthesis of N-arylsulfonamides has been developed. Starting from commercially available nitroarenes and sulfonyl chlorides, moderate to excellent yields of the corresponding N-arylsulfonamides can be obtained. In particular, Fe dust serves as the sole reductant in the transformation and it can be easily performed on a large scale.