Synthesis of dendritic oligo(aryl sulfone)s as supports for synthesis

A short, divergent route to G1 oligo(aryl sulfone)s and a G2 oligo(aryl sulfone) dendrimer using nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions is described. A range of tetrasubstituted pentasulfones are proposed for applications as homogeneous supports for synthesis. Key to achieving selectivity in the syntheses is the activation of leaving groups by sulfide to sulfone oxidation. Preparation of the G2 oligo(aryl sulfone) is low-yielding due to competition from SET processes that are interesting from a mechanistic point of view. The utility of the supports is exemplified with a four step synthesis of a dipeptide and by ‘react and release’ synthesis of amides.