Redox transformation of β-sulfinyl esters for asymmetric synthesis of sulfone-based axially chiral styrenes

Abstract

Sulfenate anions are always in situ generated from β-sulfinyl esters in catalytic asymmetric sulfinylation, while the potential oxidative transformation remains underdeveloped. Herein, an unprecedented redox transformation of β-sulfinyl esters has been disclosed to generate sulfinate anions. Based on this strategy, the asymmetric sulfonylation of vinylidene o-quinone methides has been achieved, providing various sulfone-based axially chiral styrenes in excellent enantioselectivities.