5-(hydroxymethyl)oxazoles: versatile scaffolds for combinatorial solid-phase synthesis of 5-substituted oxazoles

A scheme combining the preparation of building blocks in solution followed by solid-phase combinatorial chemistry has been developed to side-chain diversify 5-(hydroxymethyl)oxazole scaffold (1) into aryl ethers, thioethers, sulfones, sulfonamides, and carboxamides. Protected heterocyclic scaffolds 2 were linked to the solid phase and N-terminal derivatized using active ester chemistry, providing chemset 4?1-4,1-4?. The free side-chain hydroxyl of 4 was smoothly converted to aryl ethers 6 under Mitsunobu conditions, with a broad range of substituted phenols. Alternatively, quantitative conversion of hydroxyl to bromide followed by displacement with alkyl and aryl thiols gave thioethers 8. Thioethers were optionally oxidized to sulfones 9. Bromide displacement by azide, followed by reduction to amine and acylation with a range of carboxylic acids and sulfonyl chlorides gave carboxamides 11 and sulfonamides 13, respectively. Crude purity at typically >90% was observed for each of the five modifications detailed. A series of 20 compounds, exemplifying each modification, was reprepared, purified, and fully characterized.     

Direct Olefination of Alcohols with Sulfones by Using Heterogeneous Platinum Catalysts

Carbon‐supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt/C) were found to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the direct Julia olefination of alcohols in the presence of sulfones and KOtBu under oxidant‐free conditions. Primary alcohols, including aryl, aliphatic, allyl, and heterocyclic alcohols, underwent olefination with dimethyl sulfone and aryl alkyl sulfones to give terminal and internal olefins, respectively. Secondary alcohols underwent methylenation with dimethyl sulfone. Under 2.5 bar H_2, the same reaction system was effective for the transformation of alcohol OH groups to alkyl groups. Structural and mechanistic studies of the terminal olefination system suggested that Pt⁰ sites on the Pt metal particles are responsible for the rate‐limiting dehydrogenation of alcohols and that KOtBu may deprotonate the sulfone reagent. The Pt/C catalyst was reusable after the olefination, and this method showed a higher turnover number (TON) and a wider substrate scope than previously reported methods, which demonstrates the high catalytic efficiency of the present method.     

A Novel Synthesis of Fused Heterocyclic Sulfones

The applicability and synthetic potency of the novel reagent diethyl 2‐aryl‐3‐phenylsulfonylpropen‐1,1‐dicarboxylate 3 is reported. Compound 3 proved to be a key precursor in heterocyclic sulfones syntheses. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence for the structure of the newly synthesized compounds are described.     

Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation and cleavage/formation of C-S bond: a novel synthesis of aryl methyl sulfones from aryl halides and DMSO

With atmospheric oxygen as the oxidant, a novel copper(I)-catalyzed synthesis of aryl methyl sulfones from aryl halides and widely available DMSO is described. The procedure tolerates aryl halides with various functional groups (such as methoxy, acetyl, chloro, fluoro and nitro groups), which could afford aryl methyl sulfones in moderate to high yields. The copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation and the cleavage/formation of C-S bond are the key steps for this transformation.     

Efficient copper-catalyzed C-S cross-coupling of heterocyclic thiols with aryl iodides

A copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of heterocyclic thiols with aryl iodides is reported. The reaction was carried out in the presence of CuI (5 mol %), 1,10-phenanthroline (10 mol %) and K₂CO₃ (1.3 equiv) in DMF at 120 °C. A variety of heterocyclic sulfides were prepared in high selectivities and yields.     

Novel Route to β-Chloro Vinyl Sulfones via the Action of Phosphorus Pentachloride on Phenacyl Aryl Sulfones in Chloroform

Since our interest is in studying the kinetics and mechanisms of nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions of halo olefins^1–3 so the aim of this work is to prepare compounds of the type C₆H₅CCI=CHSO₂ and to study their behaviour towards elimination and substitution reactions. Earlier preparation of these sulfones by thermal or copper-catalyzed addition of aryl sulfonyl bromides and chlorides to phenylacetylene reported a mixture of E- and Z- β-halovinyl sulfones or exclusively E-isomer^4–7. The reaction of phosphorus pentachloride with phenacyl aryl sulfones is investigated as a possible route to prepare β-chlorovinyl sulfones.     

An efficient Cu-catalyzed microwave-assisted synthesis of diaryl sulfones

An efficient and microwave-assisted simple protocol for the synthesis of symmetrical/asymmetrical diaryl sulfones through the Cu(II)-catalyzed reaction of sodium salt of sulfinic acid with aryl boronic acid has been described. Various diaryl sulfones have been synthesized in very short reaction times with moderate to very good yields. Additionally, the method is also useful for the synthesis of aryl vinyl sulfones.     

A novel method for the synthesis of aryl trihalomethyl sulfones and their derivatization: the search for new sulfone fungicides

A novel method for the preparation of bioactive aryl trihalomethyl sulfones is reported. An iodination reaction with iodine bromide is applied for the synthesis of difluoroiodomethyl aryl sulfones. A series of difluoroiodomethylsulfonyl group bearing derivatives is afforded, including nitroanilines and benzimidazoles. Biological studies show high fungicidal activity for a number of the synthesized sulfones.     

The synthesis of aryl 4-nitro-5-imidazolyl sulfone radiation sensitizers sterically protected against glutathione reaction

2,6-Disubstituted aryl 1-methyl-4-nitro-5-imidazolyl sulfones 4 and aryl 1-neopentyl-2-tert-butyl-4-nitro-5-imidazolyl sulfones 10 have been synthesized and tested as radiation sensitizers of hypoxic carcinoma cells. These sterically crowded imidazoles show decreased displacement reactivity with glutathione at C-5, a major metabolic reaction known to deplete effective plasma drug levels in traditional aryl imidazolyl sulfone radiation sensitizers.     

Palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones with aryl iodides

Unlike traditionally used acyclic 1,2-disubstituted alkenes, the reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated phenyl sulfones with aryl iodides under Heck reaction conditions (Pd(OAc)(2) as catalyst, Ag(2)CO(3) as base in DMF at 120 (0)C) takes place mainly by a cascade process, involving one unit of the alkene and three units of the aryl iodide, to afford a substituted 9-phenylsulfonyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene. The dominant formation of this 3:1 coupling product, instead of the Heck trisubstituted olefin, shows that aromatic C-H bond activation processes can compete with the usually fast syn beta-hydrogen elimination step in the Heck arylation of an acyclic olefin. The structural scope of this palladium-catalyzed cascade arylation of alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones has proved to be wide with regard to substitution at the beta-position (alkyl, aryl, or alkenyl substitution), substitution at the sulfone unit (alkyl or phenyl sulfones), and configuration at the CdoublebondC bond (trans or cis). Moreover, although less favored than in the case of the arylation of alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones, similarly substituted 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes have also been obtained in the case of alpha,beta-unsaturated phosphine oxides and alpha,beta-unsaturated phosphonate esters. A Pd(0)-Pd(II)-Pd(IV) mechanistic pathway involving the successive formation of highly electrophilic sigma-alkylpalladium intermediates and palladacycles is proposed for this multicomponent arylation.     

Direct Metal- and Reagent-Free Sulfonylation of Phenols with Sodium Sulfinates by Electrosynthesis

A novel electrochemical strategy for the synthesis of aryl sulfones by direct sulfonylation of phenols with sodium sulfinates has been developed. The C,S-coupling products are of particular interest for chemical synthesis, material sciences and pharmaceutical sciences. By using this metal- and reagent-free electrochemical method, aryl and diaryl sulfones can be obtained directly in good yields. The established one-step protocol is easy to perform, scalable, inherently safe, and enables a broad scope, which is not limited by quinoid-forming substrates.     

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral sulfones by Rh-catalyzed asymmetric addition of boronic acids to alpha,beta-unsaturated 2-pyridyl sulfones

A general and efficient method for the rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective catalytic conjugate addition of organoboronic acids to alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones is described. The success of the process relies on the use of alpha,beta-unsaturated 2-pyridyl sulfones as key metal-coordinating substrates; typical sulfones such as vinyl phenyl sulfones are inert under the reaction conditions. Among a variety of chiral ligands, Chiraphos provided the best asymmetric induction. This rhodium [Rh(acac)(C2H4)2]/Chiraphos catalyst system has a broad scope, being applicable to the addition of both aryl and alkenyl boronic acids to cis and trans alpha,beta-unsaturated 2-pyridyl sulfones. In most cases, especially in the addition of aryl boronic acids, the reactions take place cleanly and with high enantioselectivity, affording chiral beta-substituted 2-pyridyl sulfones in good yields and enantioselectivities (70-92% ee). The sense and magnitude of this enantioselectivity have been studied by DFT theoretical calculations of the aryl-rhodium insertion step. These calculations strongly support the formation of a five-membered pyridyl-rhodium chelated species as the most stable complex after the insertion into the C=C bond. These highly enantioenriched chiral sulfones are very appealing building blocks in enantioselective synthesis. For instance, the straightforward elimination of the 2-pyridylsulfonyl group by either Julia-Kociensky olefination or alkylation/desulfonylation sequences provides a variety of functionalized chiral compounds, such as allylic substituted alkenes or beta-substituted ketones and esters.     

Palladium(II)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Efficient Catalysts for the Direct C‐H Bond Arylation of Furans with Aryl Halides

This paper contains the synthesis and characterization of the seven new benzimidazolium salts and their corresponding new palladium(II)‐NHC complexes with the general formula [PdX₂(NHC)₂], (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene, X = Cl or Br), and also their catalytic activity in direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furan derivatives with aryl bromides and aryl chlorides. Under the optimal conditions, these palladium(II)‐NHC complexes showed the good catalytic performance for the direct C‐H bond arylation of 2‐substituted furans with (hetero)aryl bromides, and with readily available and inexpensive aryl chlorides. The C‐H bond arylation regioselectively produced C5‐arylated furans by using 1 mol% of the palladium(II)‐NHC catalysts in moderate to high yields.     

Multicomponent Reductive Cross-Coupling of an Inorganic Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate: Straightforward Construction of Diversely Functionalized Sulfones

Conventionally, sulfones are prepared by oxidation of sulfides with strong oxidants. Now, a multicomponent reductive cross-coupling involving an inorganic salt (sodium metabisulfite) for the straightforward construction of sulfones is disclosed. Both intramolecular and intermolecular reductive cross-couplings were comprehensively explored, and diverse sulfones were accessible from the corresponding alkyl and aryl halides. Intramolecular cyclic sulfones were systematically obtained from five- to twelve-membered rings. Naturally occurring aliphatic systems, such as steroids, saccharides, and amino acids, were highly compatible with the SO₂-insertion reductive cross-coupling. Four clinically applied drug molecules, which include multiple heteroatoms and functional groups with active hydrogens, were successfully prepared via a late-stage SO₂ insertion. Mechanistic studies show that alkyl radicals and sulfonyl radicals were both involved as intermediates in this transformation.     

Notiz zur Synthese von Alkyl-, Cycloalkyl- und Aryl-3-aminophenylsulfonen

Syntheses of Some Alkyl, Cycloalkyl and Aryl 3-Aminophenyl Sulfones Syntheses of alkyl ( 1a – 1i, 1m ), cycloalkyl ( 1j, 1k ) and aryl ( 1l ) 3-aminophenyl sulfones were achieved by ethanolic Béchamp-reduction of the appropriate 3-nitrophenyl sulfones ( 3a – 3m ). The alkyl ( 3a – 3i ) and cycloalkyl ( 3j, 3k ) 3-nitrophenyl sulfones were prepared via nitration of their respective sulfones ( 2a – 2k ). Methyl (3-nitrophenyl) sulfone ( 3a ) was also prepared by condensation of 3-nitrobenzenesulfinic acid ( 4 ) with bromoacetic acid to 3-nitrophenylsulfonyl-acetic acid ( 5 ) followed by decarboxylation.     

α-Sulfonyl succinimides: versatile sulfinate donors in Fe-catalyzed, salt-free, neutral allylic substitution

Allyl sulfones are versatile intermediates in organic chemistry. The presence of two distinct functional groups sets the stage for a plethora of subsequent transformations. However, despite these advantages the preparation of regioisomerically enriched sulfones is not easy. The use of sulfinate salts as nucleophiles in substitutions is frequently accompanied by side reactions such as π-bond migration, β-elimination, and so on. Herein we present a preparatively simple way to synthesize a variety of different aryl or alkyl allyl sulfones starting from readily accessible allylic carbonates. By employing aryl or alkyl α-sulfonyl succinimides as sulfinate synthons, mild and regioselective ipso substitution of diverse allylic carbonates was realized.     

Palladium-Catalyzed Arylation of Sulfones

A procedure was developed for monoarylation of sulfones with aryl halides in the presence of palladium complexes. Optimal reaction conditions were found, and the scope of application of the proposed procedure was determined. The arylation occurs only with those sulfones which are relatively strong CH acids; the corresponding monoarylated sulfones are formed in moderate to high yields. The arylation of carbanions derived from the sulfones and some other CH acids requires the presence of an additional equivalent of base. The presence of the latter is also necessary in stoichiometric reactions of carbanions with the palladium complex CF3C6H4Pd(PPh3)2Br; no reaction occurs in the absence of a base. A new mechanism of arylation was proposed, where the key stage is deprotonation of palladium intermediate ArPdL2CHXY which activates the reductive elimination stage.     

Highly chemoselective synthesis of aryl allylic sulfoxides through calcium hypobromite oxidation of aryl allylic sulfides

A highly chemoselective oxidation of widely substituted aryl allylic sulfides, prepared by allylation of arylthioethers with KF-Celite, to the corresponding aryl allylic sulfoxide was achieved by employing calcium hypobromite. Neither over-oxidation to sulfones nor halogenation of the aromatic rings was observed. The protocol may be successfully applied for the oxidation of substituted allylic systems (i.e., 2-haloallyl) that per se could interact with the oxidizing agent.     

Unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones and aryl vinyl sulfones through palladium-catalyzed coupling of aryl and vinyl halides or triflates with sulfinic acid salts

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of sulfinic acid salts with a wide variety of aryl and vinyl halides or triflates provides unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones and aryl vinyl sulfones in good to excellent yields. The reaction is strongly influenced by the presence of nBu4NCl, and the use of Xantphos, a rigid bidentate ligand with a wide natural bite angle, was found to be crucial for the success of the reaction. With neutral, electron-rich, and electron-poor aryl iodides best results were obtained by using Pd2(dba)3, Xantphos, Cs2CO3, and nBu4NCl, in toluene at 80 degrees C. Two general procedures were employed with aryl bromides and triflates: sodium p-toluenesulfinate, Pd2(dba)3, Xantphos, Cs2CO3, 120 degrees C, in toluene with nBu4NCl (procedure A: neutral, electron-rich, and slightly electron-poor aryl bromides or triflates) and without nBu4NCl (procedure B: electron-poor aryl bromides or triflates). With vinyl triflates best results were obtained at 60 degrees C omitting nBu4NCl.     

Radical-mediated thiodesulfonylation of the vinyl sulfones: access to (α-fluoro)vinyl sulfides

Radical-mediated thiodesulfonylation of the vinyl and (α-fluoro)vinyl sulfones, derived from aldehydes and ketones, with aryl thiols in organic or aqueous medium provided access to vinyl and (α-fluoro)vinyl sulfides. The vinyl sulfides were formed predominantly with E stereochemistry independent of the stereochemistry of the starting vinyl sulfones.