Palladium-Catalyzed Methylsulfonylation of Alkyl Halides Using Dimethyl Sulfite as SO2 Surrogate and Methyl Source.

A novel and efficient method for the synthesis of methyl sulfone derivatives via palladium-catalyzed methylsulfonylation of alkyl halides with dimethyl sulfite has been described. A variety of aryl and alkyl iodides underwent the sulfonylation smoothly to furnish methyl sulfites in moderate to excellent yields.