The azidosulfonylation of terminal alkynes leading to β-azidovinyl sulfones.

We report herein the first example of the N3 radical-mediated azidosulfonylation of alkynes, affording the β-azidovinyl sulfone products with a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and high yield. DFT calculations suggest that the mechanism of the reaction proceeds through an unprecedented sequential N3 radical addition and sulfonyl radical coupling pathway.