Azoles. Part 43: Reactions of N-(Phenylsulphonylmethyl)- and N-(Phenylsulphinylmethyl)azoles with some Nitroarenes

Treatment of nitroarenes with 1-(phenylsulphonylmethyl)azoles in the KOH/DMSO system at room temperature resulted usually in the cleavage of the phenylsulphonyl group, whereas the t-BuOK/DMF system at low temperature promotes to a greater extent oxidation of the σ-adducts. When 1-(phenylsulphinylmethyl)azoles were used for the reaction only elimination of the phenylsulphinyl group was observed.