Synthesis of asymmetrical dibenzothiophene sulfonate esters

Abstract

Asymmetrical dibenzothiophene sulfonate esters are key intermediates in the production of site specific dibenzothiophene-S-oxide (DBTO) analogs and are potentially efficacious in the production of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The synthesis of these asymmetrical DBTs requires a less direct, yet efficient, pathway utilizing Suzuki coupling to add primary alkyl, secondary alkyl, aromatic, and vinylic substituents to the DBT sulfonate ester. The coupling reactions produce a small library of asymmetrical dibenzothiophene sulfonate esters ranging from low to good yield.