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.