Substrate-controlled regioselective C(sp)-H sulfonylation of -aminophenols.

Cu(II)-catalyzed highly regioselective C(sp)-H bond sulfonylation of -aminophenols with sulfonyl hydrazides to obtain arylsulfones is described. The sulfonyl radical generated from sulfonyl hydrazide single-electron transfer (SET) forms a C-S bond with the aminophenol a Cu(II)/Cu(III) catalytic cycle. The synthetic transformations and photophysical properties of the synthesized aryl sulfones have also been investigated.