Metal-Free Sulfonylation of 3,4-Dihalo-2(5H)‑furanones (X = Cl, Br) with Sodium Sulfinates under Air Atmosphere in Aqueous Media via a Radical Pathway

A convenient and environmentally friendly protocol has been developed for the preparation of various sulfonylated 2­(5H)-furanones by the sulfonylation of Csp2–X compounds with sodium sulfinates via a metal-free radical pathway. For low-cost Csp2–Cl substrates, there is also a satisfactory reactivity with moderate to excellent yields as well as high atom economy. Importantly, the application of this method into a gram-scale (even over 10 g) preparation can be accomplished.