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)3·9H2O 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 oximes using SnCl2·2H2O in high yields.