Visible-light-promoted E-selective synthesis of α-fluoro-β-arylalkenyl sulfides via the deoxygenation/isomerization process.

Regioselective synthesis of α-fluoro-β-arylalkenyl sulfides has been established with gem-difluoroalkenes and sodium sulfinates in a transition-metal-free manner. A series of control experiments were executed to demonstrate thiol radicals and anions as the proposed intermediates. Notably, regioselective Z→E isomerization was achieved under green light irradiation in the absence of a photoinitiator.