Direct C-H Methylsulfonylation of Alkenes with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide.

The direct C-H methylsulfonylation of alkenes using inorganic sodium metabisulfite as the sulfur dioxide surrogate is described. This method provides convenient access to (E)-2-methyl styrenyl sulfones in good yields. In general, the in situ generated methyl radical from di-tert-butyl peroxide undergoes a methylsulfonylation process with the combination of sulfur dioxide.