Iodine/Manganese Dual Catalysis for Oxidative Dehydrogenation Coupling of Amines with Thiols.

A novel dual catalytic system of iodine and manganese is used for the first time for oxidative dehydrogenation coupling of amines with thiols during aerobic oxidation. Sulfenamides are synthesized via this approach with moderate to high efficiencies. The mechanistic studies indicate that activated MnO2 is an electron transfer bridge for assisting iodine in completing the catalytic cycle.