A Visible Light Photoredox Approach for Synthesizing Sulfone-Functionalized Cyclopropenes

We have developed a tandem method essential for synthesizing sulfone-containing organic molecules, which has wide-ranging applications in agrochemicals, medicinal chemistry, and polymer science. This method involves a two-step process: an iodo-sulfonylated intermediate is formed initially, followed by elimination to regenerate the double bond, ultimately yielding sulfone-containing cyclopropenes. Control studies have confirmed the intermediacy of iodo-sulfonylated cyclopropane within the reaction sequence. Additionally, this protocol demonstrated an excellent tolerance for various functional groups. Moreover, the resulting sulfonylated-cyclopropenes are promising synthons for late-stage modification and molecular diversification.