sym-1,2-Diarylethylenes from α-Lithiated Benzylic Sulfones. Catalysis by Elemental Tellurium

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00193a021

The stability of α-lithiated alkyl, allyl, and benzyl phenyl sulfones was studied. α-Lithiated benzyl phenyl sulfones were found to give sym-1,2-diarylethylenes slowly when kept in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature for several days.The reaction time was significantly reduced if a catalytic amount (18-24percent) of elemental tellurium was present in the reaction.Other chalcogenides were less effective in this respect.The uncatalyzed reaction produced essentially pure trans olefins whereas the tellurium-catalyzed process afforded substantial amounts of cis isomer(usually 15-35percent).Tellurium tetrachloride in chloroform at ambient to reflux temperature was found to be highly effective in promoting cis/trans isomerization of 1,2-diarylethylenes.The involvement of a carbene mechanism or an intermolecular reaction of α-lithiated benzyl phenyl sulfones is considered in a mechanistic discussion.