Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Addition of Arylboronic Acids to (Benzyl-/Arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles: Efficient Synthesis of (Z)-β-Sulfonylvinylamines and β-Keto Sulfones

An efficient rhodium(I)-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to (benzyl-/arylsulfonyl)acetonitrile is described. Novel beta-sulfonylvinylamine products are formed in a stereoselective fashion (Z-alkene). Upon hydrolysis, useful beta-keto sulfones are obtained with a broad scope of aryl and sulfonyl substituents.