Studies on the reactivity of 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles with S-nucleophiles

We have investigated the reactivity of 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles with S-nucleophiles. This study revealed that the title compounds were optimal Michael acceptors toward thiols. A procedure was also established to prepare isoxazole-containing sulfides in one-pot and without the use of chromatography. Isoxazole-containing sulfides were converted into the corresponding sulfones in high yield. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.