A novel and convenient protocol for synthesis of alpha-haloacrylates.

A novel and convenient protocol for synthesis of α-haloacrylates starting from phosphonium ylide and aldedyde or alcohol was described. Halodimethylsulfonium halide was used for the first time in halogenation of phosphonium ylide. Good yield as well as a high Z/E ratio were shown in representative cases, and an umpolung dimethyl sulfide−ylide species might be involved as an intermediate.