Magnetically separable nano-copper catalyzed unprecedented stereoselective synthesis of E-vinyl sulfones from tosylmethyl isocyanide and alkynes: TosMIC as a source of the sulfonyl group

We have developed an unprecedented efficient and mild catalytic route for stereoselective synthesis of E-vinyl sulfones from terminal alkynes and tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) in the presence of magnetically separable nano-copper (0) stabilized on Fe3O4. A variety of vinyl sulfones were obtained in moderate to good yields. In this newly developed protocol TosMIC acts as a sulfonyl source. The catalyst was magnetically removed and recycled easily five times without any appreciable loss in activity.