Synthesis of vinyl sulfones through sulfonylation of styrenes with sulfonyl chlorides under metal-free conditions

A hypervalent iodine reagent-mediated sulfonylation of styrenes with sulfonyl chlorides was developed for the synthesis of vinyl sulfones. The reaction proceeded under metal-free, mild and neutral conditions without extra oxidants or bases. It also exhibited good air and moisture tolerance, broad substrate scope and high chemo-selectivity, affording the vinyl sulfones in moderate to good yields.