1,4-Bis(alkylsulfonyl)benzenes. A new and unexpected cathodic cleavage leading to the corresponding phenoxy ions

1,4-Bis(alkylsulfonyl)benzenes 2 exhibit the formation of a fairly stable anion radical under cathodic electron transfer. Its fragmentation leads both to 1-alkylsulfonyl-4-alkyl benzenes (ipso substitution) and 4-alkylsulfonylphenoxy ions, the presence of the latter suggesting a new mode of cleavage for strongly activated sulfones.