Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2723-2202
Short Review

Recent Progress in Visible-Light-Mediated S–N Bond Cleavage for Intermolecular Two-Component Dual Functionalization

Authors

  • Yu Zhao

    1   Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12487)
    2   Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials of Anhui Province, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12487)
  • Jun Xuan

    1   Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12487)
    2   Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials of Anhui Province, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12487)
    3   Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Anhui University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12487)

Supported by: Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province 2408085MB041
Supported by: Distinguished Young Research Project of Anhui Higher Education Institution 2023AH020003

Funding Statement This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22571002, 21971001) and the Distinguished Young Research Project of Anhui Higher Education Institution (2023AH020003) and the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (2408085MB041) for financial support.


Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing functional groups are fundamental constituents of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities. Recent advances in visible-light-mediated photochemistry have enabled more sustainable and efficient synthetic approaches. This review highlights the emerging strategy of difunctionalization via S–N bond cleavage using bifunctional reagent under visible light irradiation. Key reactions discussed include imino-sulfonylation, imino-sulfamoylation, thiocyanato-imination, and related processes, which enable the simultaneous introduction of sulfur and nitrogen functionalities into alkenes, alkynes, and strained ring systems. Mechanistic pathways involving energy transfer or single-electron transfer facilitate selective radical generation and subsequent cross-coupling, offering broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. This review provides a critical analysis of current methodologies and outlines future directions for the continued advancement of this rapidly evolving field.



Publication History

Received: 06 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 14 October 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
14 October 2025

Article published online:
14 November 2025

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