Efficient 1,4-addition of α-substituted fluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methane derivatives to α,β-unsaturated compounds

The 1,4-addition of a monofluoromethyl nucleophile to a variety of α,β-unsaturated compounds has been achieved under mild conditions using either phosphines or potassium carbonate at room temperature. α-Substituted fluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methane easily undergoes Michael addition to α,β-unsaturated ketones, esters, nitriles, sulfones, as well as propynoates at room temperature to yield the corresponding adducts in moderate to excellent yields.