Nickel-catalyzed desulfonylative olefination of β-hydroxysulfones

Disclosed herein is a protocol that permits the desulfonylative olefination of beta-hydroxy, beta-keto and beta-ethereal sulfones through the activity of a Ni-NHC catalyst. Employing this method allows for the reliable synthesis of both nonconjugated and conjugated olefins with mono, di, tri or tetrasubstitution patterns. A brief mechanistic exploration of this reaction provides evidence to support the existence of both radical and organonickel intermediates en route to form product.

Automated summary

Herein, a protocol is disclosed that allows for the desulfonylative olefination of beta-hydroxy, beta-keto, and beta-ethereal sulfones using a Ni-NHC catalyst. This method enables the reliable synthesis of both nonconjugated and conjugated olefins with mono, di, tri, or tetrasubstitution patterns. A brief mechanistic exploration provides evidence for the presence of both radical and organonickel intermediates in the formation of the product.