Aqueous α‐C‐H Sulfonylmethylation of α‐Oxo Ketene Dithioacetals: Green Synthesis of Allylic Sulfones

ABSTRACT An efficient aqueous α‐C‐H sulfonylmethylation of α‐oxo ketene dithioacetals with sodium sulfinates and glyoxylic acid has been developed. The sulfonylmethylation reaction is achieved in the mixture of water and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG‐200) (v/v = 3:1) as reaction medium at 100°C, affording allylic sulfone derivatives in good yields. This simple, efficient, and environmentally benign approach rendering it practical and attractive.