Cornforth and Corey-Suggs reagents as efficient catalysts for sulfonation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds using NaHSO3 under solvent free and microwave conditions

Abstract

Cornforth and Corey-Suggs reagents Pyridinium Dichromate (PDC) and Pyridinium Chlorochromate (PCC) were explored as efficient catalysts for sulfonation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds using NaHSO3 in aqueous acetonitrile medium at room temperature within 1–4 h, while microwave assisted reactions took place within 1–4 min under solvent-free conditions. These observations indicate significant rate accelerations in microwave assisted reactions. which were explained due to the bulk activation of molecules induced by insitu generated high temperatures and pressures when microwaves are transmitted through reaction medium.