Stereoselective Synthesis of Substituted 2-(Z-Styrylsulfonyl)-1H-imidazoles and Benzothiazole

A novel method has been reported involving the synthesis of z-styryl sulfides by the reaction of phenylacetylene with 2-mercpto benzimidazoles and benzthiazole using NaOH as a base in absolute ethanol. On further oxidation with H₂O₂, these resulted in the formation of the desired styryl sulfones in good yields with retention of stereochemistry.