Synthesis of (E)‐β‐Iodovinyl Sulfones via Photoredox Catalyzed Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes.

A photoredox mediated approach enabling the synthesis of (E)‐β‐iodovinyl sulfones at room temperature using simple alkynes and thiols as the coupling partners in the presence of TBAI as iodine source is reported. The direct conversion of thiols into sulfones following the tandem introduction of C−I and C−S bonds is achieved using SeO2 as an oxidizing agent. The method is viable with a wide range of alkynes and thiols at room temperature, employs mild conditions, and has good yields. Besides, we could also use β‐iodovinyl sulfones as the starting material to access different β‐functionalized sulfone derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]