Tin-free radical carbonylation of alkylsulfonyl derivatives into alkylcarbonyl derivatives.

A simple radical approach based on tin-free radical carbonylation is devised for the direct conversion of alkylthiosulfonates, alkylsulfonyl cyanides, and alkylsulfonyl oxime ethers into the corresponding alkyl thiol esters, acyl cyanides, and acylated oxime ethers in a single step. The present approach is very simple, highly efficient, and minimizes the formation of byproducts.