Copper-promoted sulfenylation of sp2 C-H bonds.

An auxiliary-assisted, copper catalyzed or promoted sulfenylation of benzoic acid derivative β-C-H bonds and benzylamine derivative γ-C-H bonds has been developed. The method employs disulfide reagents, copper(II) acetate, and DMSO solvent at 90-130 °C. Application of this methodology to the direct trifluoromethylsulfenylation of C-H bonds was demonstrated.