Modified Julia fluoroolefination: Selective preparation of fluoroalkenoates

The modified Julia olefination reaction has been applied to develop a stereoselective synthesis of fluoroalkenoate derivatives from a fluorobenzothiazolyl sulfone and aldehydes or a ketone. The olefination reaction can be achieved by using a variety of bases. DBU and DBU in the presence of MgBr2 were found to be the most efficient systems to prepare either (Z)- or (E)-alkenoates in moderate to excellent stereoselectivity.