Transition metal-free aroylation of NH-sulfoximines with methyl arenes

A novel protocol towards N-aroylated sulfoximines from NH-sulfoximines and methyl arenes was herein demonstrated. The reaction took place in the presence of elemental iodine, requiring no external organic solvents, transition metal-catalysts or ligands. The aroylated products were obtained from the oxidative transformation in moderate to excellent yields (up to 94% yield) with a broad substrate scope (35 examples) through a radical pathway.