A simple and highly effective oxidative chlorination protocol for the preparation of arenesulfonyl chlorides

2,4-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DCDMH) was found to be a mild and efficient reagent for the direct oxidative conversion of sulfur compounds to the corresponding arenesulfonyl chlorides in good to excellent yields through oxidative chlorination. The method is suitable for many types of sulfur substrates (thiols, disulfides, and benzylic sulfides). The overall process is simple, practical, and it provides convenient access to a variety of aryl or heteroarylsulfonyl chlorides. The mild reaction conditions and the broad substrate scope render this method attractive and complementary to existing syntheses of aryl or heteroarylsulfonyl chlorides.