Synthesis of N-sulfenylimines via an electrochemical radical coupling of amines and thiols mediated by bromide ions

An efficient electrochemical dehydrogenative coupling reaction between amines and thiols at room temperature has been developed, which includes the formation of imine intermediate and N–S bond as key steps enabling rapid synthesis of N-sulfenylimines. The method successfully applies to a wide range of amines as well as structurally diverse thiols, exhibiting excellent functional group tolerance. The reaction also can be scaled up which provides an efficient and green method for N-sulfenylimines.