Mo(VI) complex catalysed synthesis of sulfones and their modification for anti-HIV activities

An efficient method for the synthesis of sulfones has been developed using sugar derived cis-dioxo molybdenum(VI) complex as catalyst and urea hydrogen peroxide as oxygen source. Present method is highly specific for sulfide oxidation irrespective of presence of alkene and aldehyde groups in the same molecule. Synthesis of fifteen sulfones have been reported with 82–98% isolated yields and the catalyst has been reused five times without any loss in its activity. 2-(Phenylsulfonyl)aniline has been condensed with eight different aromatic aldehydes and the products are being explored for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition activities.