Substitution and Elimination Reactions via One Electron Transfer Process. A New Olefin Synthesis from β-Nitro Sulfones

Abstract
Gem-Bromonitro compounds or gem-dinitro compounds couple with carbanions derived from α-cyano sulfones or α-carbonyl sulfones to give β-nitro sulfones. The nitro and sulfonyl groups are eliminated from the coupling products on treatment with reductive one electron transfer reagents to give α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds or nitriles.