A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Alkenes from Vic-diols via Cyclic Sulfates with Magnesium Iodide

Reaction of cyclic sulfates of vic-diols with magnesium iodide in acetonitrile produced the corresponding olefins in excellent isolated yields at room temperature. Cyclic sulfates of trans-diols gave trans-alkenes exclusively. Cyclic sulfates of cis-diols gave a mixture of cis- and trans- alkenes. However, the cyclic sulfate of cyclic cis-diol afforded the corresponding cis-alkene only.