PRODUCTION OF ARYLSULFONYL ISOCYANATE

PURPOSE:To obtain a compound useful as a synthetic intermediate for drugs, agricultural chemicals and industrial chemicals in high yield, by reacting an aryl N-sulfinylsulfonamide with oxalyl dioxide. CONSTITUTION:An aryl N-sulfinylsulfonamide shown by formula I (X is Cl, 1-4C alkyl, methoxy or 1-4C alkoxycarbonyl) is reacted with oxalyl dioxide shown by the formula (COCl)2 in the presence of a catalyst (e.g. pyridine or DMF) to give the aimed compound shown by formula II. The reaction is carried out in a solvent such as dioxane at 50-130 deg.C for 30min-3hr. The amount of oxalyl dioxide used is 1-3mol. based on 1mol. compound shown by formula I. Oxalyl dichloride has lower toxicity than phosgene and is conveniently handleable because of liquid.