The present invention relates to a process for preparing sulfonyl halides comprising the steps of a) reacting an enoxymetal, allylsilane or allylstannane compound, preferably in the presence of a diene, with sulphur dioxide and b) adding a suitable halogen source to the metal sulfinate intermediate of step a). Furthermore, the present invention relates to new sulfonyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides, sulfonamides and sulfonates. In addition, the present invention teaches the use of the new multifunctional sulfonamides and sulfonates for the preparation of a medicament, bacteriocides, fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides as well as the use of sulfonyl chlorides for the preparation of sulfonamides and sulfonates.