One-pot tandem reactions for direct conversion of thiols and disulfides to sulfonic esters, and Paal–Knorr synthesis of pyrrole derivatives catalyzed by TCCA

Abstract

A convenient synthesis of sulfonic esters from thiols and disulfides is described. In situ preparation of sulfonyl chlorides from thiols is accomplished by oxidation with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), tetra-butylammonium chloride (t-Bu4NCl), and water. The sulfonyl chlorides are then further allowed to react with phenol derivatives in the same reaction vessel. Also, a facile synthesis of N-substituted pyrroles by the reaction of hexane-2,5-dione with primary amines has been accomplished using TCCA as a catalyst under mild condition with excellent yields.