A Highly Stereoselective, Modular Route to (E)-Vinylsulfones and to (Z)- and (E)-Alkenes

A recently discovered radical fragmentation of 2-fluoro-6-pyridinoxy derivatives allows a new highly stereoselective and convergent route to (E)-vinylsulfones from allylic alcohols. Reductive desulfonylation or nickel-catalyzed couplings furnish di- and trisubstituted (E)- and (Z)-alkenes.