Solvent Dependent Dehydrating Condensation of Benzylsulfonyl Acetic Acids

Abstract

Convenient and simple synthesis of β‐keto benzylsulfones, isothiochromanone‐2,2‐dioxides was carried out by dehydrating condensation of benzylsulfonyl acetic acids using phosphorous pentoxide in aromatic solvents benzene and halobenzenes. Depending on the solvents, the products formed were predominantly either β‐keto benzylsulfones or isothiochromanone‐2,2‐dioxides.

Keywords:

• Sulfones
• β‐Ketosulfones
• Isothiochromanone dioxides
• Cyclization

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Onconova Therapeutics Inc., Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA for financial assistance and support.