Sulfur(IV)-Mediated Transformations: From Ylide Transfer to Metal-Free Arylation of Carbonyl Compounds

The development of a direct ylide transfer to carbonyl derivatives and of a sulfoxide-mediated arylation is presented from a unified perspective. Mechanistic studies (including density functional calculations) support a common reaction pathway and showcase how subtle changes in reactant properties can lead to disparate and seemingly unrelated reaction outcomes.