Synthesis of sodium aryl sulfinates from aryl bromides employing 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) adduct (DABSO) as a bench-stable, gas-free alternative to SO2

A convenient two-step protocol for the synthesis of sodium aryl sulfinates from aryl bromides and the SO2 surrogate 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) adduct (DABSO) has been developed. A wide range of aryl bromides with respect to electronic properties were employed to give the corresponding sodium arylsulfinates in good to excellent yields. The protocol is especially efficient for electron poor aryl bromides which are often difficult to prepare using existing methods.