Synthesis and Crystallographic Characterization of X-Substituted 2,4-Dinitrophenyl-4′-phenylbenzenesulfonates

Abstract

Treatment of 2,4-dinitrophenol with sulfonyl chlorides in the presence of pyridine results in the formation of undesired pyridinium salts. In non-aqueous environments, the formation of the insoluble pyridinium salt greatly affects the formation of the desired product. A facile method of producing the desired sulfonate involves the use of an aqueous base with a water-miscible solvent. Herein, we present the optimization of methods for the formation of sulfonates and its application in the production of desired x-substituted 2,4-dinitrophenyl-4′-phenylbenzenesulfonates. This strategy is environmentally benign and supports a wide range of starting materials. Additionally, the intermolecular interactions of these sulfonate compounds were investigated using single-crystal x-ray diffraction data.