Acid-mediated sulfonylation of arylethynylene bromides with sodium arylsulfinates: synthesis of (E)-1,2-bis(arylsulfonyl)ethylenes and arylacetylenic sulfones

Abstract

A solvent-dependent sulfonylation of arylethynylene bromides with sodium arylsulfinates has been developed. The (E)-1,2-bis(arylsulfonyl)ethylenes were formed in DMSO, while the arylacetylenic sulfones were obtained in toluene. Utilizing simple and readily available starting materials, the sulfonylation products were generated with good selectivities and yields without the need for a metal catalyst or oxidant.