Visible Light‐Promoted Sulfoxonium Ylides Synthesis from Aryl Diazoacetates and Sulfoxides

Main observation and conclusion A visible light‐promoted reaction of donor/acceptor diazoalkanes with sulfoxides towards the synthesis of synthetically useful sulfoxonium ylides was reported. The reaction occurred under sole visible light irradiation without the need of any transition‐metals or additives, affording the corresponding sulfoxonium ylides in moderate to good yields. The success of late‐stage modification of natural isolates or drug candidates, scale‐up reaction and transformation of sulfoxonium ylides to other useful molecules further rendered the approach valuable.