Stereoselective formation of (Z)-2-fluoroalkenoates via Julia-Kocienski reaction of aldehydes with pyrimidinyl-fluorosulfones

The selective synthesis of fluoroalkenoates is reported from a pyrimidinyl fluorosulfone. This sulfone allowed the preparation of Z-fluoroalkenoates with very high stereoselectivity from both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The nature of the heterocycle on the course of the Julia-Kocienski reaction is discussed.