[2,3]-Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Arylhydroxylamines: Rapid Access to ortho-Sulfonylated Anilines

In the absence of transition-metal catalysts and additional oxidants, arylhydroxylamines can undergo an unconventional O-sulfinylation/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/rearomatization cascade with trifluoromethylsulfinyl chloride to rapidly and efficiently synthesize versatile ortho-sulfonylated aromatic amines. This Synpacts article describes the discovery, further study, and practical application of the rearrangement reactions in arylhydroxylamine compounds and highlights our recent advances in this area.