Nickel‐Catalyzed Microwave‐Mediated Methylsulfonylation of Alkyl Halides

The direct nickel‐catalyzed methylsulfonylation of alkyl and aryl halides using dimethyl sulfite as the sulfur dioxide surrogate as well as the source of methyl has been achieved. This protocol provides a robust method for the synthesis of methyl sulfone derivatives under microwave irradiation in moderate to excellent yields within 60 minutes and shows excellent functional group tolerance. • The Direct nickel‐catalyzed methylsulfonylation of alkyl and aryl halides has been prepared. • This protocol provides a robust method for the synthesis of methyl sulfone derivatives under microwave irradiation. • The present protocol is suitable for the synthesis of Rofecoxib in scale up.