Synthesis, structure, and stability of cyclopentadienyl(triphenylphosphine)(α-benzenesulfonylalkyl)nickel complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(88)87107-9

The title complexes have been prepared in moderate yields by reaction of α-sulfonyl carbanions with Cp(PPh3)NiCl; the crystal structure of two of these complexes shows that the nickel atom is linked to the α-carbon of the sulfonyl group and there is no interaction between the metal and the SO2 moiety.When their solution in benzene are warmed to 90 deg C, these complexes very cleanly yield the corresponding α,β-unsaturated sulfone (E isomer).An efficient method of dehydrogenating secondary alkyl sulfones is reported.