A method for the preparation of aryl and heteroaryl sulfonamides using 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl chlorosulfate (TCPC) is described. The reaction of 2-pyridylzinc reagents with TCPC resulted in 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl (TCP) pyridine-2-sulfonates, and the parent pyridine-2-sulfonate was shown to react with amines. Less electron-rich aryl- and heteroarylzinc reagents reacted with TCPC to afford sulfonyl chlorides that were converted in situ to sulfonamides.A method for the preparation of aryl and heteroaryl sulfonamides using 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl chlorosulfate (TCPC) is described. The reaction of 2-pyridylzinc reagents with TCPC resulted in 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl (TCP) pyridine-2-sulfonates, and the parent pyridine-2-sulfonate was shown to react with amines. Less electron-rich aryl- and heteroarylzinc reagents reacted with TCPC to afford sulfonyl chlorides that were converted in situ to sulfonamides.