Highly Selective Pd-Catalyzed Intermolecular Fluorosulfonylation of Styrenes

A novel Pd-catalyzed intermolecular regio- and diastereoselective fluoro­sulfonyla­tion of styrenes has been developed under mild conditions. This reaction exhibits a wide range of functional-group tolerance in styrenes and arylsulfinic acids to afford various β-fluoro sulfones. Preliminary mechanistic study reveals an unusual mechanism, in which a high-valent L2PdIIIF species side-selectively reacts with a benzylic carbon radical to deliver a C–F bond. This pathway is distinct from a previously reported radical fluorination reaction.