Iron(III)-Mediated Radical Nitration of Bisarylsulfonyl Hydrazones: Synthesis of Bisarylnitromethyl Sulfones

Iron(III)-mediated radical nitration of bisarylsulfonyl hydrazones is described. In this protocol, the nontoxic and inexpensive Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O plays a dual role as catalyst as well as nitro source. The mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and the functional group compatibility are the significant features. The reaction pathway has been demonstrated using DFT calculations, and the products can be subsequently converted into mimes using SnCl2 center dot 2H(2)O in high yields.