Nano copper catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical/unsymmetrical sulfones from aryl/alkyl halides and p-toluenesulfonylmethylisocyanide: TosMIC as a tosyl source

Abstract A magnetically induced nano copper-catalyzed efficient and mild route for the synthesis of diaryl and alkyl/aryl sulfones from aryl/alkyl halides and tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) has been developed. A variety of aryl and alkyl sulfones have been obtained in very good to excellent yields. Sulfones containing molecules have medicinal relevance as they are known to possess various activities such as antifungal, anti-HIV, antitumor, and anticancer. Herein, a magnetically induced nano copper-catalyzed efficient and mild route for the synthesis of biaryl and alkyl/aryl sulfones from aryl/alkyl halides and tosylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) has been developed. A variety of aryl and alkyl sulfones have been obtained in very good to excellent yields. In this newly developed protocol TosMIC acts as sulfonyl source. The catalyst can magnetically be recovered and recycled five times without significant loss in activity.