The reactions of syn-1-haloethyl p-chlorophenyl sulfoxides (halogen= Cl, Br) with main- group organometallic reagents (n-BuMgCl, MeLi, n-BuLi, s-BuLi, and t-BuLi) in THF and PhMe solvents were examined. Product distributions were analyzed to determine the extent of competing sulfoxide ligand exchange, halogen–metal exchange, and deprotonation reaction pathways. A combination of t-BuLi in PhMe was optimal for initiation of sulfoxide ...