# Patent

## Title
Composition, synthesis, and use of new arylsulfonyl isonitriles

## Abstract

This invention relates to novel isonitriles, including arylsulfonyl isonitriles, and methods for their synthesis. The isonitriles include a conjugated ring system. The structure is designed with the flexibility to have multiple substitution patterns. The isonitriles may be used in applications including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical compositions.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No, 61/942,850, filed Feb. 21, 2014, entitled “Composition, Synthesis, and Use of a New Class of lsonitriles”, which is herein incorporated by reference.


GOVERNMENTAL INTEREST
This invention was made with Government support under grant AI051352-04 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to arysulfonyl isonitrile compounds and their synthesis. The invention also relates to new arylsulfonyl isonitriles as intelinediates for synthesizing isonitriles and nitriles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Isonitrile compounds and derivatives thereof are known in the art and can be used in various applications, including the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals. For example, bioactive isonitrile-containing metabolites may be isolated and used to treat widespread infections and deaths caused by malaria, The spread of resistant strains and the rise in global temperatures has made the treatment of malaria one of the highest priorities of the World Health Organization for the third world and North America
Various methods for synthesizing isonitrile compounds are also known in the art. For example, it is known that isonitriles can be synthesized by the reaction of primary amines with dichiorocarbene Or by dehydration of a formamide with phosphorus oxychloride. The Hofmann synthesis is a chemical test for primary amines based on their reaction with potassium hydroxide and chloroform as dichlorocarhene precursors to isonitriles. Another route to producing isonitriles is by reaction of organolithium compounds with oxazoles and benzoxazoles. A further synthetic route toward isonitriles includes condensation of an amine with formic acid to yield a formamide, and subsequent dehydration of this formamide. Phosgene can be used in combination with the formamide to yield isonitriles.
Isonitriles are used as reactants in multi-component Ugi and Passerini condensations, heterocycle synthesis, in radical and Pauson-Khand reactions and as ligands and in medical imaging.
There are disadvantages associated with the known methods of synthesizing isonitriles. The deprotonation-alkylation syntheses are limited to special substrates and conjugate additions with alkylisonitriles are rare, extremely challenging, and require additional activation through further conjugation. There are little or no known methodologies that provide direct, rapid access to bioactive isonitrile-containing carbocycles. Multi-step sequences are often required. For example, the synthesis of an anti-fouling isonitrile may require as many as ten steps to convert a ketone into an isonitrile.
The commercial availability of isonitriles is limited and those that are commercially available can be expensive.
Thus, there is a need in the art to develop new connectivity methods, as well as, isonitriles having new structural diversity and fundamental reactivity patterns in alkylations and conjugate additions. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for the new methodologies of preparing isonitriles to include a minimum number of steps which are cost effective to perform and that result in high yields.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates in general to novel isonitrile compounds and, in particular, to novel arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds. Further, the invention includes synthesis of the novel arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds and their use as precursors or building blocks for preparing other isonitrile compounds.
One aspect of the invention provides a compound represented by a general structure of Formula I:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, R6 is CH2.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
In certain embodiments, the compound of the invention is represented by a general structure of Formula II:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
In certain other embodiments, the invention provides a compound represented by a general structure of Formula III:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
In certain other embodiments, the invention provides a compound represented by a general structure of Formula IV:




wherein R6 is as defined for Formula I.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of preparing the compound represented by the general structure of Formula I. The method includes reacting an arylsulfonate with formamide to form an intermediate formamide-containing product; and dehydrating the intermediate formamide-containing product to form the arylsulfonyl isonitrile.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read with reference to the following figures:
FIG. 1 illustrates a condensation/dehydration reaction scheme for synthesis of an arylsulfonyl isonitrile, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a double alkylation reaction scheme for synthesis of an arylsulfonyl isonitrile, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates NMR data relating to the synthesis ((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl) benzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 2-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)naphthalene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1-fluoro-4-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1-chloro-4-((isocyanomethyl)sulfortyl)benzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfinate, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1,3-dichloro-5-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 1-((isocyanoinethyl)sulfonyl)-2-phenoxybenzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrates NMR data relating to the synthesis of 4-((isocyanomethypsulfonyl)-1,2-dimethoxybenzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 2-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; and
FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate NMR data relating to the synthesis of 2-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-1-methoxy-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates in general to novel isonitrile compounds and, in particular, to new arylsulfonyl isonitriles that may be synthesized from readily available materials. The structures of the arylsulfonyl isonitriles are designed with the flexibility to have multiple substitution patterns.
Other than the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, processing conditions and the like used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, may contain certain errors, such as, for example, equipment and/or operator error, necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of less than or equal to 10.
Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
The present disclosure describes several different features and aspects of the invention with reference to various exemplary non-limiting embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention embraces numerous alternative embodiments, which may be accomplished by combining any of the different features, aspects, and embodiments described herein in any combination that one of ordinary skill in the art would find useful.
The new arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds of the present invention have the general formula I:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl, and R6 is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and cyclic or polycyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, structure, e.g., one or more rings, such as, but not limited to a cyclic six-membered ring.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, R6 is CH2.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
In certain embodiments, the new arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds of the present invention have the general formula II:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
In certain other embodiments, the new arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds of the present invention have the general formula III:




wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, C1-C6 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C6 alkyl and aryl.
Further, in certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from C1-C4 alkyl and aryl.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, such as, but not limited to R1 and R2 or R2 and R3, can come together to form a benzo ring.
In certain embodiments, X is phenyl.
In certain embodiments, halogen is selected from fluoride and chloride.
In certain embodiments, the haloalkyl is CF3.
In certain embodiments, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or halogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same and each is hydrogen, and R5 is C1-C4 alkyl or O—X.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same or different and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are each hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, C1-C4 haloalkyl or O—X and the remaining R substituents are the same and each is hydrogen.
In certain embodiments, R1, R3 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and each is halogen or O—X.
For example, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 can include the following combinations.

















R1
R2
R3
R4
R5









H
H
H
H
H



H
H
CH3
H
H



H
H
H
H
CH3



H
H
F
H
H



H
H
Cl
H
H



H
H
CF3
H
H



H
Cl
H
Cl
H



H
H
H
H
OCH3



H
H
H
H
OPh



H
H
OCH3
OCH3
H



OCH3
H
H
H
OCH3



OCH3
H
H
CF3
H



CH3
H
H
H
H



H
H
CH3
H
H










In certain other embodiments, the new arylsulfonyl isonitrile compounds of the present invention have the general formula IV:




wherein R6 is as defined for Formula I.
The compounds of the invention may be readily synthesized using organic chemistry techniques. The syntheses of various embodiments of the isonitrile precursors and products are described herein. It should be noted that the featured embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are in no way limiting to the scope of the isonitrile precursors and products as described herein. For example, the compounds of Formulas I and II can be prepared according to certain embodiments of the invention. In general, condensation and dehydration reactions may be conducted to form the compounds of Formulas I and II. These compounds then may be used as precursors or building blocks to form other arylsulfonyl isonitriles. In certain embodiments, compounds represented by Formula I and Formula II can be subjected to double alkylation reactions to form the arylsulfonyl isonitrile represented by Formula III. Further, the compounds of Formulas III and IV may be used as precursors or building blocks to form other isonitrile compounds, such as by exchange reactions.
Certain specific synthesis examples are discussed in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 shows a reaction scheme for preparing arylsulfonyl isonitrile of Formula II, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. Compounds represented by the general structure of Formula II herein can be prepared by known organic reactions, such as, Mannich condensation reactions. As shown in FIG. 1, alkyl sulfonate (i.e., methyl benzenesulfonate) is reacted with formamide in formic acid, paraformaldehyde and toluene to form an intermediate (sulfonyl formamide) product. The reaction can be conducted at various temperatures and typically ranges from about 50° C. to about 110° C., and preferably from about 90° C. to about 110° C. The temperature can be achieved using conventional methods and apparatus in the art. In certain embodiments, microwave heating is employed.
It is contemplated that other suitable acids and solvents known in the art can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, formic acid, acetic acid, proprionic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, chloroacetic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, camphor sulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, toluene, formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, dimethyl formamide, dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphoramide, dimethylsulphoxide, tetrahydrofuran and mixtures thereof.
The intermediate (formamide) product then undergoes a dehydration reaction to remove the water molecule, such that NH—CHO group in the intermediate product is NC in the final isonitrile product. Various dehydration methods and processes can be used. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention and as shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate (sulfonyl formamide) product is reacted with a dehydrating agent to form an arylsulfonyl isonitrile product, i.e., ((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene (represented by the general structure of Formula II herein, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each hydrogen). It is contemplated that other suitable solvents and dehydrating agents known in the art can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, dichloromethane, toluene, chloroform and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable dehydrating agents include, but are not limited to, phosphoryl chloride, triphenylphosphine dichloride, triphenylphosphine dibromide, triphenylphosphinelcarbon tetrabromide, sulfonyl chloride, oxalyl chloride and mixtures thereof. The dehydration step can be conducted at various temperatures and is typically carried out at a temperature within a range from −30° C. to 0° C.
The resulting product may be purified by conventional purification methods and processes known in the art such as, but not limited to, vacuum distillation, flash chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography and radial chromatography.
As shown in FIG. 2, compounds represented by the general structure of Formula II herein may be used as precursors or building blocks to form other arylsulfonyl isonitriles. For example, compounds of Formula II can be used to prepare arylsulfonyl isonitriles represented by the general structure of Formula III herein. In particular, in FIG. 2, a sulfonylmethyl isonitrile product as shown in FIG. 1, i.e., ((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene, undergoes an alkylation reaction to replace the CH2 group bridging the arylsulfonyl and the isonitrile to form a sulfonyl isonitrile product (represented by the general structure of Formula III herein, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each hydrogen). As shown in FIG. 2, the sulfonylmethyl isonitrile reactant is reacted with the dihalide 1,5-dibromopentane in sodium hydride and dimethyl formamide (DMF). The sodium hydride is typically present in an amount in the range from 2 to 5 equivalents. The alkylation reaction can be conducted at various temperatures and typically the temperature is in the range from −10° C. to room temperature. The time for carrying out the alkylation can also vary and typically is carried out in a time period in the range from 10 hours to 72 hours. It is contemplated that other bases known in the art for use in organic synthesis can be used, such as but not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hexamethyldisilazide, lithium amide, sodium amide and mixtures thereof. Further, it is contemplated that any solvent can be used that is compatible with the base, e.g., sodium hydride, such as but not limited to, dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphoramide, dimethylsulphoxide, tetrahydrofuran, toluene and mixtures thereof. It is also contemplated that other dihalide compounds known in the art can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable dihalides include, but are not limited to, 1,3-dihalopropane, 1,4-dihalobutane, 1,5-dihalopentane, 1,6-dihalohexane and mixtures thereof.
The resulting product may be purified by conventional purification methods and processes known in the art such as, but not limited to, vacuum distillation, flash chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography and radial chromatography.
Table 1 shows suitable alkyl sulfonates for use in the invention and, arylsulfonyl isonitriles synthesized by suitable formamide synthesis and dehydration methods.







TABLE 1







Alkyl Sulfonates














4a


 







4b


 







4c


 







4d


 







4e


 







4f


 







4g


 







4h


 







4i


 







t1


 







4j


 







4k


 







4l


 







4m


 







4n


 







4o


 







s1


 







s2


 







11p


 







11q


 







11r


 









Formamide/Dehydration Synthesis



Of Arylsulfonyl Isonitriles














3a


 







3b


 







3c


 







3d


 







3e


 







3f


 







3g


 







3h


 







3i


 







3j


 







3k


 







3l


 







3m


 







3n


 







Oxidizing Formamides














3p


 







3q


 







3r


 







3s


 







3t









Moreover, other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification be considered as exemplary only. Furthermore, the following examples are meant to be illustrative of certain embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLES
General Experimental Conditions:
Tetrahydrofuran (THE) was freshly distilled from Na/benzophenone ketyl prior to use. Dichloromethane and acetonitrile were dried by passing through an alumina and molecular sieve drying train, commercially available from Innovative Technology Inc. (Model: PS-MD-7). Isopropanol, ethanol and toluene were used as received. Other reagents were purchased at analytical or ACS grade, and used without further purification unless otherwise stated. A Biotage® microwave reactor (Model: Initiator) and 2-20 mL reaction tubes were employed (with the irradiation absorption parameter set to NORMAL). Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed with UV active (w/F-254) glass backed silica gel plates (Dynamic Adsorbents Inc.). TLC plates were visualized by exposure to short wavelength UV light (254 inn) and/or staining with a phosphomolybdic acid solution (20% in ethanol) or iodine. Flash chromatography was performed using SiliaFlash® silica gel P60 (30-400 mesh) purchased from Silicycle, Florisil® (100-200 mesh) purchased from Alfa Aesar, or SiliaBond® Diol purchased from Silicycle. Radial chromatography was performed on a Harrison Research ChromatotronTM using rotors covered with SiO2 and leveled to 1, 2, and 4 mm thickness. 1H NMR and 13C NMR high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were obtained on a Bruker Avance 400 or Bruker Avance 500 spectrometers. 1H NMR data are reported as follows: chemical shift, multiplicity (s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, quin=quintet, dd=doublet of doublet, dt=doublet of triplet, ddd=doublet of doublet of doublets, td=triplet of doublets, qd=quartet of doublets, m=multiplet, etc.), integration, and coupling constants (Hz). 13C NMR data are reported in parts per million (ppm) on the δ scale. High resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were recorded on a 6500 Series Accurate Mass Quadrupole Time of Flight LC/MS using a nano ESI. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Frontier FT-IR spectrometer with a universal ATR sampling accessory.
General Sulfinate Synthesis from Thiols
Solid N-bromosuccinimide powder (2 equiv) was added in one portion to a 0° C., methanol:dichloromethane solution (1:1 by volume) of the thiol (1 equiv). The cold bath was removed and, after 1 hour, the mixture was poured into 0° C., saturated NaHCO3 solution. The biphasic mixture was transferred to a separation funnel and shaken until discoloration. The phases were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (×3). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to afford a yellowish crude sulfinate. The crude sulfinate was purified by filtration through a SiO2 plug (10×50 mm) to afford pure methyl sulfinate.
Example 1




Methyl benzenesulfinate (compound 4a) was prepared from thiophenol (4 g, 36.4 mmol) according to the general sulfinate synthesis affording 5.27 g of compound 4a (93%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:Et2O gradient, 100:0 to 90:10).
Example 2




Methyl 4-methylbenzenesulfinate (compound 4b) was prepared from 4-methylbenzenethiol (4 g, 32.2 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 5.3 g of compound 4b (97%) as a colorless oil after purification by filtration on a SiO2 plug (10×50 mm) using hexanes:ethyl ether (90:10) as the eluent.
Example 3




Methyl 2-methylbenzenesulfinate (compound 4c) was prepared from 2-methylbenzenethiol (2 g, 16.1 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 2.7 g of compound 4c (99%) as a slightly amber oil after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (4 mm rotor using hexanes:EtOAc, 98:2 as the eluent).
Example 4




Methyl naphthalene-2-sulfinate (compound 4d) was prepared from 2-naphtalenethiol (2 g. 12.48 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 2.48 g of compound 4d (96%) as slightly yellow crystals after purification by SiO2 column chromatography (hexanes:acetone gradient, 90:10 to 80:20).
Example 5




Methyl 4-fluorobenzenesulfinate (compound 4e) was prepared from 4-fluorothiophenol (400 mg, 3.1 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 500 mg of compound 4e (92%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (2 mm rotor using hexanes:EtOAc:acetone, 80:10:10 as the eluent).
Example 6




Methyl 4-chlorobenzenesulfinate (compound 4f) was prepared from 4-chlorothiophenol (2 g, 13.8 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 2.3 g of compound 4f (87%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (4 mm rotor using hexanes:EtOAc, 80:20 as the eluent).
Example 7




Methyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfinate (compound 4g) was prepared from 4-trifluoromethylbenzenethiol (400 mg, 2.25 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 410 mg of compound 4g (82%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (1 mm rotor using a hexanes:EtOAc as eluent with a gradient ranging from 90:10 to 80:20). 1H NMR (400 MHz, benzene-d6) δ 7.32 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.94 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, benzene-do) δ 148.53 (s), 133.52 (q, J=32.5 Hz), 126.24, 126.06 (q, J=3.7 Hz), 124.15 (q, J=272.8 Hz), 48.98. IR (ATR) 2949, 1320, 1125, 1058, 959, 698 cm−1. HRMS calculated for C8H7F3O2S, 225.0192. found 225.0190 (M+Na)+.
Example 8




Methyl 3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfinate (compound 4h) was prepared according to a published method: Na2CO3 (2.98 g, 28.1 mmol) was added to a cold (0° C.) of 1,2-bis(3,5-dichlorophenyl)disulfane (2 g, 5.62 mmol) in MeOH (112 mL). Bromine (870 μL, 16.8 mmol) was then added dropwise via syringe. After stirring at rt for 3 h, the volatiles were removed in vacuo, the residue was diluted with cold water (100 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL), and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to afford 2.09 g of compound 4h (100%) as a colorless oil which crystallized after purification by filtration through a SiO2 plug using hexanes:Et2O:dichloromethane (90:5:5) as eluent. Mp 55° C. 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 3.53 (s, 1H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl3) δ 147.37, 136.34, 132.38, 124.12, 50.35. IR (ATR): 3068, 1566, 1132, 958 cm−1. HRMS calculated for C7H6Cl2O2S, 224.9538. found 224.9534 (M±H)+.
Example 9




Methyl 2-methoxybenzenesulfinate (compound 4i) was prepared from 2-methoxybenzenethiol (8 g, 57.1 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 10.8 g of compound 4i (100%) as a slightly yellow oil after purification by SiO2 column chromatography (hexanes:acetone, 50:50 to 0:100).
Example 10




2-Phenoxythiophenol (compound t1) was prepared as follows. Elemental sulfur (565 mg, 17.6 mmol) was added in one portion, under a N2 blanket, to a 0° C., Et2O solution of (2-phenoxyphenyl)lithium. The cooling bath was removed and after 30 min, the mixture was diluted with cold water (100 mL) and then acidified with 2M aqueous HCl until the pH ̃1. The mixture was left in a freezer (−30° C.) for 20 min and then filtered to afford 2.3 g of a white solid (65%). The crude product was recrystallized from MeOH, to afford 1.7 g (48%) of compound ti as white crystals (mp 63° C.).
Example 11




Methyl 2-phenoxybenzensulfinate (compound 4j) was prepared from 2-phenoxythiophenol (1.63 g, 8.06 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 1.81 g of compound 4j (91%) as a colorless oil after purification by filtration through a SiO2 plug (10×50 mm, using a hexanes:dichloromethane:Et2O gradient 90:5:5 to 80:10:10). 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.94 (dd, J=7.8, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=8.6, 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (td, J=7.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.15 (m, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 6.89 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 3.59 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz. Chloroform-d) δ 156.16, 155.52, 134.17, 133.84, 130.07, 126.25, 124.47, 123.35, 119.44, 118.27, 51.36. IR (ATR) 2940, 1581, 1465, 1227, 1120, 965, 691. HRMS calculated for C13H12O3S, 271.0399. found 271.0401 (M+Na)+.
Example 12




Methyl 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfinate (compound 4k) was prepared as follows. Methanol (8.8 mL) and dry pyridine (3.5 mL, 43.4 mmol) were added sequentially to a flask immersed in an ice bath containing freshly prepared 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfinyl chloride (1.6 g, 7.24 mmol). After 2 h, the reaction was diluted with cold aqueous NaHCO3 and extracted with dichloromethane (4×10 mL). After removal of the volatiles, 1.21 g (77%) of relatively pure compound 4k were recovered as a slightly yellow oil: 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.28 (dd, J=8.3, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.48 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 152.18, 149.48, 135.60, 118.91, 110.87, 107.27, 56.13, 56.12, 49.28. IR (ATR) 2940, 2839, 1504, 1256, 1231, 1117, 1019, 957, 672 cm−1. HRMS calculated for C9H12O4S, 239.0348. found 239.0350 (M+Na)+.
Example 13




Methyl 2-methylpropane-1-sulfinate (compound 4l) was prepared from isobutyl mercaptan (3 g, 33.27 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 3.97 g of compound 4l (88%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:dichloromethane, 90:10 as eluent): 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.69 (dd, J=13.2, 7.6 Hz, 1H), 2.61 (dd, J=13.2, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (nontuplet, J=6 Hz, 1H), 1.07 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 3H), 1.06 (d, J=2.9 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 65.89, 54.41, 23.61, 22.68, 22.33. IR (ATR): 2962, 1125, 992, 684 cm′; HRMS calculated for C5H12O2S, 159.0450. found 159.0444 (M+Na)+.
Example 14




Methyl cyclohexanesulfinate (compound 4m) was prepared from cyclohexanethiol (2 g, 17.2 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 2.92 g of compound 4m (quant.) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:Et2O:dichloromethane, 90:5:5 as eluent). 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.56 (tt, J=11.7, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 2.06-1.94 (m, 2H), 1.93-1.81 (m, 1H), 1.74-1.65 (m, 1H), 1.46-1.18 (m, 6H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 63.44, 54.95, 25.56, 25.12, 25.03, 24.42, 24.03. IR (ATR): 2930, 1450, 1129, 689 cm′; HRMS calculated for C7H14O2S, 163.0787. found 163.0790 (M+H)+.
Example 15




Methyl phenylmethanesulfinate (compound 4n) was prepared from benzylmercaptan (3 g, 24.15 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure to afford 3.41 g of compound 4n (83%) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:dichloromethane 95:5 then hexanes:dichloromethane:Et2O 90:5:5).
Example 16




Phenethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfinate (compound 4o) Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.436 g, 2.11 mmol), 2-phenylethanol (250 μL, 21.11 mmol) and were sequentially added to a rt, dichloromethane solution (2.1 mL) of p-toluenesulfinic acid (0.33 g, 2.11 mmol). After 4 h, the mixture was diluted with aqueous NaHCO3 (4 mL) and Et2O (4 mL). The mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with Et2O (2 mL). The organic layer was collected and the aqueous was extracted with Et2O (2×4 mL). The organic extracts were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated and the crude sulfinate purified by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:EtOAc, gradient 90:10 to 85:15) to afford 501 mg (91%) of compound 4o as a clear, colorless oil.
Example 17




Ethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfinate (compound s1) was prepared from 4-methylbenzenethiol (2.33 g, 18.8 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure with the modification of using ethanol instead of methanol, to afford 3.38 g of compound s1 (98?/o) as a colorless oil after purification by SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:Et2O:CH2Cl2 gradient (95:5:5 to 70:20:10).
Example 18




Isopropyl 4-methylbenzenesulfinate (compound s2) was prepared from 4-methylbenzenethiol (2.18 g, 17.6 mmol) according to the general sulfinate procedure with the modification of using i-PrOH instead of methanol, adding K2CO3 (2.43 g, 17.6 mmol) immediately prior to the NBS, and extending the reaction time to 2.5 h. The modified procedure afforded 2.32 g (67%) of compound s3 as a colorless oil after SiO2 flash chromatography (hexanes:Et2O:CH2Cl2 95:5:5, then Et2O: CH2Cl2 50:50).
Example 19




2,6-dimethoxybenzenethiol (compound 11p) was prepared as follows. Elemental sulfur (2.09 g, 65.1 mmol) was added in one portion, under a N2 12 blanket, to a 0° C. suspension of (2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)lithium in hexanes. After stirring the mixture overnight at rt, the mixture was diluted with water (100 mL) and then acidified with 1M aqueous HCl until a pH  ̃1. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and after 30 min the solid was filtered and collected. The material was recrystallized from MeOH to afford 9.48 g (77%) of compound 11p.
Example 20




2-methoxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol (compound 11 q) Elemental sulfur (2.73 g, 85.16 mmol) was added in small portions, under a N2 blanket, to a 0° C., THF solution of (2-methoxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)lithium. After 30 min, the reaction was diluted with cold water (25 mL) and then acidified with 2M aqueous HCl until a pH  ̃1. The phases were separated, the aqueous was extracted with dichloromethane (3×30 mL), and the extracts were then combined. The crude thiol was concentrated and was then purified by filtration on a SiO2 plug using hexanes as the eluant to afford 9.62 g (81%) of 11q as a slightly yellow oil.
Example 21




2-Methoxynaphthalene-1-thiol (compound 11r) was prepared as follows. (Preparation of (2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)magnesium bromide) A THF solution (8 mL) of 1-bromo-2-methoxynaphtalene (4 g, 16.87 mmol) was added, dropwise, to a THF slurry (17 mL) of magnesium turnings (533 g, 21.93 mmol) that had been previously activated through the addition of 1,2-dibromoethane (150 μL, 1.69 mmol). The flask was gently heated with a heat gun, while avoiding boiling. After 30 min, the flask was irradiated at rt in an ultrasonic cleaning bath for 2.5 h to afford a THF solution of the Grignard reagent. Elemental sulfur (0.757 g, 23.62 mmol) was added in one portion, under a N2 blanket, to the 0° C. solution of (2-methoxynaphtalen-1-yl)magnesium bromide (vide supra). After 30 min, lithium aluminum hydride powder (0.32 g, 8.44 mmol) was added in very small portions. After 30 min, the reaction was diluted with cold, aqueous, saturated NH4Cl (20 mL) and then aqueous citric acid 2M (5 mL). The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (3×30 mL) and, after the removal of volatiles, the resulting slightly yellow solid was partially dissolved with pentane. The pentane solution was cooled by immersion into a −78° C. cooling bath and after 5 min the temperature was raised to 0° C. After 15 min the solution was filtered to afford 3.01 g (94%) of compound 11r as a white crystalline solid: Mp 66-67° C. (lit. 65-68° C.). 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.98 (dd, J=8.5, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (ddd, J=8.4, 6.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (ddd, J=8.0, 6.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (s, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 151.51, 132.01, 129.28, 128.43, 126.64, 126.28, 124.04, 123.98, 114.72, 112.71, 56.82; IR (ATR) 3052, 2937, 2838, 2579, 1506, 1265, 1247, 1075, 797, 767, 741 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C22H18O2S2 (disulfide) 401.0640. found 401.0648 (M+Na)+.
General Formamide Synthesis A—Conventional Heating
Paraformaldehyde (4 eq), formamide (7.5 eq) and formic acid (5 eq) were sequentially added to neat methyl sulfinate (1 eq) and then the flask was immersed in a pre-heated oil bath (90-100° C.). After 2-3 h the mixture was diluted with cold water and extracted with EtOAc (×4). The combined organic extract was washed once with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to afford the crude formamide. The material was dried for 2 h under high vacuum before performing the dehydration.
General Formamide Synthesis B—Microwave Heating
A Biotage® Microwave vial was charged sequentially with paraformaldehyde (5 eq), formamide (6 eq), formic acid (5 eq) and toluene (5 eq). The vial was capped, purged three times with N2 by a gas inlet and a needle vent, and then the flask was heated at 100° C. After 3 h, the mixture was allowed to cool, diluted with cold water, and extracted with EtOAc (×4). The combined organic extract was washed once with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to afford the crude formamide. The material was dried for 2 h under high vacuum before performing the dehydration.
General Dehydration Method
Dry diisopropylamine or dry triethylamine (9.3 equiv) were sequentially added dropwise to a −20° C., THF:acetonitrile solution (0.3 M, 2:1 mixture) of the crude formamide (1 eq). After 1 h, while maintaining the temperature below −10° C., the reaction was diluted with cold, aqueous NaHCO3 and then the phases were separated. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (×4), the combined organic extract was washed with brine, dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated to afford the crude isonitrile. The crude isonitrile was filtered through a SiO2 plug (10×50 mm) and then purified by SiO2 flash chromatography or SiO2 radial chromatography to afford the pure isonitrile.
Example 22




((Isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene (compound 3a) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2a was prepared from methyl benzenesulfinate 4a (500 mg, 3.2 mmol) following the general method B. Subsequent dehydration following the general method with i-Pr2NH afforded 419 mg (72%) of compound 3a as a white solid after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (2 mm rotor, hexanes:EtOAc 90:10 to hexanes:EtOAc:dichloromethane 60:20:20): Mp 89-90° C. (lit. 88° C.); 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.03 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.38, 135.58, 135.14, 129.88, 129.54, 61.13; IR (ATR) 3058, 2985, 2933, 2151 (lit. 2150 cm−1), 1583, 1158; FIRMS calculated for C8H7NO2S, 204.0090. found 204.0091 (M+Na)+. See FIG. 3.
Example 23




1-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-4-methylbenzene (TosMIC) (compound 3b) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2b was prepared from methyl 4-methylbenzenesulfinate 4b (0.5 g, 2.94 mmol) following the general method B. Subsequent dehydration of 2b following the general method with i-Pr2NH afforded 0.406 g (71%) of compound 3b as a white solid after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (2 mm rotor, hexanes:EtOAc, 70:30, as eluent): Mp 112-113° C. (lit. 116-117° C.).
Example 24




1-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl-2-methylbenzene (compound 3c) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2c was prepared from methyl 2-methylbenzenesulfinate 4c (0.5 g, 2.94 mmol) according to the general method B. Subsequent dehydration of 2c with i-Pr2NH following the general dehydration method afforded 325 mg (57%) of compound 3c as a yellowish oil after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (2 mm thickness rotor, hexanes:EtOAc, gradient 90:10 to 60:40): 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.08 (dd, J=8.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (td, J=7.6, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (tdd, =7.4, 1.3, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (ddt, J=7.6, 1.3, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (s, 2H), 2.74 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.23, 139.30, 135.46, 133.42, 133.18, 132.18, 127.20, 60.55, 20.83; IR (ATR) 2936, 2146, 1330, 1152, 748; HRMS calculated for C9H9NO2S, 218.0246. found 218.0244 (M+Na)+.
Example 25




2-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)naphthalene (compound 3d) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2d was prepared from methyl 2-naphthylsulfinate 4d (0.5 g, 2.42 mmol) following general method A and with the modification of heating for 2 h at 90° C. The resulting formamide 2d was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 390 mg (70%) of compound 3d as a white solid after purification by SiO2 radial chromatography (hexanes:EtOAc 90:10 to hexanes:EtOAc/dichloromethane 60:20:20): Mp 104-105° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (dd, J=8.7, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 4.69 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.32, 136.09, 132.17, 132.11, 131.90, 130.35, 130.22, 129.84, 128.29, 128.20, 123.11, 61.16; IR (ATR) 3059, 2989, 2934, 2146, 1330, 1129, 1072, 754; HRMS calculated for C12H9NO2S, 232.0427. found 232.0431 (M+H)+. See FIGS. 4 and 5.
Example 26




1-fluoro-4-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene (compound 3e) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2e was prepared from methyl 4-fluorobenzenesulfinate 4e (0.2 g, 1.15 mmol) following general method B with the modification of heating for 3 h at 100° C. Crude 2e was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 0.155 g (81%) of compound 3e as a slight amber solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 1 mm rotor, hexanes:EtOAc gradient 90:10 to 80:20): Mp 63° C.; 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.09-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 2H), 4.63 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 167.03 (d, J=259.6 Hz), 166.62, 132.66 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 131.06 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 117.40 (d, J=22.9 Hz), 61.21; IR (ATR) 2992, 2147, 1338, 1147 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C8H6FNO2S, 200.0176. found 200.0174 (M+Na)+. See FIGS. 6 and 7.
Example 27




1-Chloro-4-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene (compound 3f) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2f was prepared from methyl 4-chlorobenzenesulfinate 4f (500 mg, 2.62 mmol) following general method B with the modification of heating for 3 h at 105° C. The crude formamide 2f was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 399 mg (71%) of compound 3f as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 2 mm rotor, hexanes:Et2O:dichloromethane gradient 90:5:5 to 60:20:20); mp. 109-110 (dec); 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.96 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.64 (s, 1H); 13C NMR (126 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.67, 142.69, 133.43, 130.98, 130.27, 61.12. IR (ATR) 3006, 2152, 1323, 1151, 1082 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C8H6C1NO2S, 237.9702. found 237.9702 (M+Na)+. See FIGS. 8 and 9.
Example 28




1-((isocyanomethypsulfonyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfinate (compound 3g) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2g was prepared from methyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene sulfinate 4g (500 mg, 2.23 mmol) following general method A. Crude 2g was dehydrated following the general method with Et3N to afford 316 mg (57%) of compound 3g as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (flash chromatography using hexanes:Et2O gradient 90:10 to 80:20); mp. 104-105° C. (dec); 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.18 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 4.67 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 167.31, 138.59, 137.18 (q, J=33.5 Hz), 130.30, 127.07 (q, J=3.7 Hz), 122.95 (q, J=274.5 Hz), 61.03; IR (ATR) 2987, 2933, 2149, 1323, 1165, 1134, 1147, 1108, 843 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C9H6F3NO2S, 271.9964. found 271.9964 (M+Na)+. See FIGS. 10 and 11.
Example 29




1,3-dichloro-5-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)benzene (compound 3h) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2h was prepared from 3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfinate 411 (0.4 g, 1.77 mmol) following general method A with the modification of heating for 2 h at 90° C. Crude 2h was dehydrated following the general method with Et3N to afford 249 mg (89%) of compound 3h as a white solid after purification by column chromatography using SiliaBond® Diol matrix (hexanes:Et2O 70:30 as eluent): mp 82-83° C.; 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.90 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 4.66 (s, 1H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 167.66, 137.82, 137.13, 135.70, 127.81, 61.01; IR (ATR) 3079, 2145, 1570, 1344, 1161, 1135, 804, 666; HRMS calculated for C8H6FNO2S, 287.9050. found 287.9052 (M+K)+. An analogous reaction using procedure B gave 87% of compound 3h. See FIGS. 12 and 13.
Example 30




1-((Isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzene (compound 3i) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2i was prepared from methyl 2-methoxybenzenesulfinate 4i (2 g, 10.74 mmol) following general method B with the modification of heating for 2.5 h at 90° C. Crude 2i was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 1.49 g (66%) of compound 3i as a slightly amber solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 4 mm rotor, hexanes:acetone gradient 80:20 to 40:60). The pure product exhibited spectral data identical to that exhibited from previously reported material: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.03 (dd, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (ddd, J=8.4, 7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (td, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (dd, J=8.4, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 165.69, 157.60, 137.40, 132.32, 122.85, 121.37, 112.71, 59.51, 56.72. See FIGS. 14 and 15.
Example 31




1-((Isocyanomethypsulfonyl)-2-phenoxybenzene (compound 3j) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2j was prepared from methyl 2-phenoxybenzenesulfinate 4j (1 g, 4 mmol) following general method A with the modification of heating for 2.5 h at 90° C. Crude 2j was dehydrated following the general method using i-Pr2NH to afford 685 mg (71%) of compound 3j as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 4 mm rotor, hexanes:EtOAc 70:30: mp 67-68° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.12 (dd, J=7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (ddd, J=8.8, 7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.13 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.97 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.10, 156.45, 154.71, 137.07, 132.16, 130.51, 125.79, 124.81, 123.32, 120.41, 118.30, 59.95; IR (ATR) 3001, 2146, 1583, 1467, 1336, 1148, 749; HRMS calculated for C14H11NO3S, 312.0091. found 312.0092 (M+K)÷. See FIGS. 16 and 17.
Example 32




4-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-1,2-dimethoxybenzene (compound 3k) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2k was prepared from 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfinate 4k (200 mg, 0.925 mmol) following the general method A with the modification of heating for 2 h at 90° C. Crude 2k was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 105 mg (45%) of compound 3k as a yellowish solid after purification on SiO2 (flash chromatography using hexanes:Et2O (80:20) as eluent): mp 101-102° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.63 (dd, J=8.5, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.97 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 165.88, 154.84, 149.56, 126.22, 124.01, 111.19, 111.04, 61.25, 56.43, 56.42; IR (ATR) 2937, 2147, 1508, 1262, 1133, 728 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C10H11NO4S, 264.0301. found 264.0329 (M+Na)+. See FIGS. 18 and 19.
Example 33




1-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-2-methylpropane (compound 31) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 21 was prepared from methyl 2-methylpropane-1-sulfinate 41 (500 mg, 3.67 mmol) following the general method B with the modification of heating for 3 h at 100° C. Crude 21 was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 276 mg (45%) of compound 31 as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 2 mm rotor, hexanes:Et2O:dichloromethane 60:20:20): mp 59-60° C.; NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 4.54 (s, 2H), 3.13 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.43 (nontuplet, J=6.7 Hz, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 6H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.69, 59.24, 58.16, 23.74, 22.69; IR (ATR) 2970, 2147, 1319, 1136 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C8H13NO2S, 210.0559. found 210.0561 (M+Na)+.
Example 34




((Isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)cyclohexane (compound 3m) was prepared as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2m was prepared from methyl cyclohexansulfinate 4m (400 mg, 2.5 mmol) following general method A with the modification of adding three additional portions of paraformaldehyde, HCONH2 and HCO2H, at 2.5 h intervals with a total reaction time of 9 hours. Crude 2m was then dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 238 mg (51%) of compound 3m as a white solid after purification by filtration through a SiO2 plug (hexanes:Et2O 70:30 as eluent): mp. 73-74° C.; 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 4.56 (s, 2H), 3.31 (tt, J=12.3, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 2.18 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 1.98 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 2H), 1.77 (d, J=11.8 Hz, 1H), 1.63 (qd, J=12.6, 3.8 Hz, 2H), 1.38 (qt, J=12.6, 3.4 Hz, 2H), 1.26 (qt, J=12.8, 3.2 Hz, 1H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.53, 59.77, 55.56, 24.88, 24.86; IR (ATR) 2933, 2148, 1320, 1129, 906, 732 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C6H11NO2S, 184.0403. found 184.0383 (M+Na)+.
Example 35




((Isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)methyl)benzene (compound 3n) was prepared as as follows. The sulfonyl formamide 2n was prepared from methyl phenylmethanesulfinate 4n (0.5 g, 2.94 mmol) following the general method A with the modification of heating for 2.5 h at 90° C. Crude 2n was dehydrated following the general dehydration method with i-Pr2NH to afford 324 mg (57%) of compound 3n as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 2 mm rotor, hexanes:Et2O 70:30 then hexanes:Et2O:acetone 40:30:30): mp 105-106° C. (lit. 103-106° C.); NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.46 (s, 5H), 4.49 (s, 2H) (lit. 4.50), 4.31 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.99, 130.74, 129.97, 129.65, 126.29, 57.07, 55.62. IR (ATR) 3007, 2141, 1303, 1133 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C9H9NO2S, 233.9986. found 233.9988 (M+Kr.
General Oxidation Method of Formamides
Solid m-CPBA (2.2 equiv) was added to a 0° C., dichloromethane solution (0.5 M) of the crude sulfanyl formamide (1 eq) in three portions at 10 min intervals. After 2.5 h, the reaction was diluted with cold, saturated NaHCO3, the phases were separated and the aqueous phase was then extracted with dichloromethane (×5). The combined organic extract was washed with 0° C., saturated aqueous NaHCO3 and then with 0° C., 5% aqueous Na2SO3. The aqueous layer was re-extracted once with dichloromethane. The organic extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated to afford the crude sulfonyl formamide (a-z) that was sufficiently pure to use in the following dehydration.
Example 36




2-((Isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-1,3-dimethoxybenzene (compound 3p) was prepared as follows. The sulfanyl formamide 12p was prepared from 2,6-dimethoxybenzenethiol 11p (1 g, 5.88 mmol) following general method A with the modification of heating for 3 h at 100° C. Crude 12p was filtered through a plug of Florisil (toluene/EtOAc 70:30 as eluant) to afford 1.3 g of sulfanyl formamide 12p after removal of the volatiles. For the major rotamer: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.07 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.59 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.90 (s, 6H). Oxidation of 12p (1.3 g, 5.72 mmol) following the general m-CPBA method afforded 1.154 g of 13p as a white solid: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.10 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (bs, 1H), 6.63 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 4.98 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 6H). After drying 13p (1.154 g, 4.45 mmol) under vacuum (ca. 2 h), the formamide was dehydrated following the general method using i-Pr2NH to afford 572 mg (40%, 3 steps) of compound 3p as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 2 mm rotor, using a hexanes:dichloromethane:acetone gradient 80:10:10 to 60:20:20): mp 90-91° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.55 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.69 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 4.87 (s, 2H), 3.95 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 165.08, 160.22, 136.66, 112.65, 105.41, 62.29, 56.99; IR (ATR) 2944, 2148, 1582, 1476, 1331, 1253, 1146, 1099, 779 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C10H11NO4S, 280.0040. found 280.0061 (M+K)+. See FIGS. 20 and 21.
Example 37




2-((Isocyanomethypsulfonyl)-1-methoxy-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene (compound 3q) was prepared as follows. The sulfanyl formamide 12q was prepared from 2-methoxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol 11q (1 g, 4.8 mmol) following the general method A with the modification of heating for 2 h at 90° C. and then, after allowing the reaction to cool, adding cold water (0° C., 10 mL). Crude 12q was filtered and then left in a freezer (−30° C.) for 15 min. The slightly pink solid was washed with copious cold water, cold hexanes (5 mL), and refiltered. The solid was then washed with cold hexanes/Et2O (50:50, 10 mL) and dried under vacuum for 2 h to afford 1.083 g of formamide as a solid. 1H NMR for the major rotamer: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.44 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (bs, 1H), 4.72 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H). Formamide 12q (220 mg, 8.29 mmol) was oxidized to the sulfonyl formamide 13q following the general m-CPBA method with the modification of performing the reaction for 3 h at rt until complete conversion was determined as judged by 1H NMR: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.69 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 5.06 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (s, 3H). After drying under vacuum (ca. 2 h), the crude 13q was dehydrated following the general method with Et3N to afford 124 mg (46%, 3 steps) of compound 3q as a slightly yellow solid after purification on SiO2 (column chromatography, hexanes:EtOAc 80:20 to 70:30): mp 84-85° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.79 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.97 (s, 3H), 4.09 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.57, 159.47, 136.23, 132.29 (q, J=33.5 Hz), 123.54, 122.06 (q, J=274.9 Hz), 121.26 (q, J=7.4 Hz), 117.73, 62.21, 57.83. IR (ATR) 2947, 2148, 1587, 1349, 1305, 1142, 1099, 1022, 800 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C10H8F3NO3S, 317.9809. found 317.9816 (M+K)+. See FIGS. 22 and 23.
Example 38




2-((isocyanomethypsulfonyl)-3-methoxynaphthalene (compound 3r) was prepared as follows. The sulfanyl formamide 12r was prepared from 2-methoxynaphtalene-1-thiol 11r (1.5 g, 7.89 mmol) following the general method A with the modification of heating for 3 h at 105° C. Crude 12r was recrystallized from benzene/hexanes and filtered to yield 1.53 g crystalline material. 1H NMR for major rotamer: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.57 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (ddd, J=8.6, 7.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (ddd, J=8.1, 6.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (bs, 1H), 4.66 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 4.07 (s, 3H). Sulfanyl formamide 12r (1.53 g, 6.19 mmol) was oxidized to the sulfonyl formamide 13r following the general m-CPBA method to afford, after removal of volatiles, 1.85 g of 13r as a white solid: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 9.27 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H) 8.09 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J=8.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (ddd, J=8.7, 6.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (ddd, J=8.0, 6.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (bs, 1H), 5.09 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 4.19 (s, 3H). After drying 13r under vacuum (ca. 2 h), the crude sulfonyl formamide (1 g, 3.58 mmol) was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 850 mg (56%, 3 steps) of compound 3r as a slightly yellow solid after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 4 mm rotor, hexanes:dichloromethane:acetone 40:30:30): mp 100-102° C. (dec); 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 9.24 (dq, J=9.0, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H). 7.82 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (ddd, J=9.0, 6.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (ddd, J=8.0, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 4.12 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 165.56, 159.05, 138.71, 132.16, 130.01, 129.41, 128.99, 125.36, 123.42, 116.56, 113.05, 62.03, 57.89; IR (ATR) 2990, 2144, 1597, 1509, 1338, 1331, 1142, 908, 815, 730 cm−1; HRMS calculated for C13H11NO3S, 284.0352. found 284.0353 (M+Na)+.
Example 39




(1R,2S,4R)-2-((isocyanomethyl)sulfonyl)-4-isopropyl-1-methylcyclohexane (compound 3s) was prepared as follows. The sulfanyl formamide 12s was prepared from neomenthyl thiol (0.2 g, 1.16 mmol) according to the general method A with the modification of heating for 3 h at 110° C. Crude 12s was filtered through a florisil plug (toluene/EtOAc 90:10 as eluent) to obtaining 0.18 g of partially purified material. 1H NMR for the major rotamer: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.21 (s, 1H), 5.81 (bs, 1H), 4.60 (dd, J=14.1, 7.3 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (dd, J=14.1, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (m, 1H), 2.04-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.94-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.69 (m, 1H), 1.65-1.53 (m, 1H), 1.25 (ddd, =13.7, 11.8, 3.1 Hz, 1H), 1.13-1.00 (m, 3H), 0.93 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.90 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 3H), 0.89 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 3H). Sulfanyl formamide 12s (0.18 g, 78.5 mmol) was oxidized to the sulfonyl formamide 13s following the general m-CPBA method to afford 0.25 g of compound 13s as a semisolid: 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.28 (s, 1H), 6.70 (s, 2H), 4.90 (dd, J=14.4, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (dd, J=14.4, 5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.54 (bs, 1H), 2.32 (d, 1H), 2.23-2.07 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.84 (m, 1H), 1.84-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.04 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.97-0.92 (m, 1H), 0.95 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.90 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H). After drying under vacuum (ca. 2 h), crude 13s (250 mg, 1.09 mmol) was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 154 mg (55%, 3 steps) of compound 3s as a colorless oil after purification on SiO2 (radial chromatography, 1 mm rotor, hexanes:EtOAc 90:10). An analytically pure sample was obtained by crystallization from pentane: mp 62-63° C., [α]D +40.2° (lit. 68° C. and [α]D+42.7° respectively); IR (ATR) 2954, 2143, 1328, 1127 cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 4.59 (d, J=15.4 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (d, J=15.4 Hz, 1H), 3.94-3.87 (m, 1H), 2.25 (ddt, J=15.0, 3.3, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 2.13-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.86 (m, 1H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.37 (m, 2H), 1.10 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 1.03-0.95 (m, 1H), 0.97 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 0.93 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.42, 59.60, 59.00, 49.33, 36.57, 34.98, 29.67, 26.78, 24.94, 22.29, 21.95, 21.80. HRMS calculated for C12H21NO2S, 266.1185. found 266.1185 (M+Na)+.
Example 40




1-((Isocyanomethypsulfonyl)adamantane (compound 3t) was prepared as follows. The sulfanyl formamide 12t was prepared from 1-adamantanethiol following a modification of general method A: A toluene:formamide (1:6) solution (0.6 mL) of 1-adamantanethiol (300 mg, 1.78 mmol) was slowly added to the formic acid-formaldehyde solution over a 3 h period through the assistance of a syringe pump. 0.5 h after the addition, the reaction was worked up as described in general method A. Crude 12t was filtered through a florisil column (hexanes:EtOAc 60:40 as eluent) to afford 252 mg of partially purified 12t. 1H NMR for the major rotamer: 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.12 (s, 1H), 5.67 (bs, 1H), 4.44 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.06 (bs, 3H), 1.96-1.82 (m, 6H), 1.76-1.65 (m, 6H). Sulfanyl formamide 12t (200 mg, 0.89 mmol) was oxidized to the sulfonyl formamide 13t following the general m-CPBA method to afford 217 mg of compound 13t as a solid: 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.22 (s, 1H), 7.28 (bs, 1H), 4.68 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.18 (bs, 3H), 2.12-2.05 (m, 6H), 1.82-1.67 (m, 6H). After drying under vacuum (ca. 2 h), crude compound 13t (217, 0.84 mmol) was dehydrated following the general method with i-Pr2NH to afford 106 mg (32%, 3 steps) of compound 3p as a white solid after purification on SiO2 (flash chromatography, hexanes:EtOAc 75:25): mp 110-111° C.; 1H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 4.58 (s, 1H), 2.24 (s, 2H), 2.14 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 4H), 1.77 (q, J=12.6 Hz, 5H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 166.56, 64.60, 53.01, 35.51, 35.24, 28.14; IR (ATR) 2918, 2857, 2146, 1455, 1297, 1142 cm−1. HRMS calculated for C12H17NO2S, 278.0612. found 278.0639 (M+K)+.

## Claims

1. An isonitrile of a general structure of Formula II:



wherein R1, R3 and R5 are each hydrogen and, R2 and R4 are the same and are each selected from halogen excluding Cl, and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl.

2. An isonitrile of a general structure of Formula III:



wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are the same or different and each is hydrogen, or
wherein, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is selected from halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl and O—X wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl, and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen.

3. A method of preparing an arylsulfonyl isonitrile represented by a general structure of Formula II:



wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are the same and each is hydrogen, or
wherein, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is alkyl and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen, or
wherein, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is selected from F, Cl, CF3 and CCl3, and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen, or
wherein, two of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are OX, wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl, and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen, or
wherein, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is OX, wherein X is aryl, and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen, or
wherein, one of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is OX, wherein X is selected from alkyl and aryl, one of R1,R2, R3, R4 and R5 is selected from halogen and haloalkyl, and each remaining R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 substituent is hydrogen, or
wherein, each of R2 and R4 is the same or different and is selected from halogen and haloalkyl, and each of R1, R3 and R5 is hydrogen,
wherein R1 and R2, or R2 and R3, or R3 and R4 , or R4 and R5 together form a benzo ring,
which forms a naphthalyl group, comprising:
reacting an arylsulfinate of the below Formula V with formamide to form an intermediate formamide-containing material of the below Formula VI; and
dehydrating the intermediate formamide-containing material of the below Formula VI to form the arylsulfonyl isonitrile of the Formula II: