π-Deficient α-arylsulfonyl esters as soft nucleophiles in organic synthesis

Different π-deficient arylsulfonyl groups have been studied as candidates for the stabilization of α-sulfonyl esters. The 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl group has been shown to be the best substituent for the stereoselective synthesis of E-aconitates by a dialkylation–dehydrosulfinylation integrated process under PTC conditions using K2CO3 as base.