A mild and efficient synthesis of 1-aryl-1-fluoroethenes from benzothiazolyl (aryl) fluoromethyl sulfones and paraformaldehyde, under DBU-or Cs2CO3-mediated conditions at room temperature, is described. A comparable diethyl fluoro (naphthalen-2-yl) methylphosphonate reagent does not react with paraformaldehyde under these mild conditions. The utility of the methodology for synthesis of terminal α-fluoroalkenes bearing ...