Two-Step Azidoalkenylation of Terminal Alkenes Using Iodomethyl Sulfones

The radical azidoalkylation of alkenes that was initially developed with α-iodoesters and α-iodoketones was extended to other activated iodomethyl derivatives. By using iodomethyl aryl sulfones, the preparation of γ-azidosulfones was easily achieved. Facile conversion of these azidosulfones to homoallylic azides using a Julia-Kocienski olefination reaction is reported, making the whole process equivalent to the azidoalkenylation of terminal alkenes.