Procedures for the deprotection of the 2-nitro- and 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfo
namides to give the corresponding primary amines were developed. The 2-Nitr
obenzenesulfonyl group was effectively removed by HSCH2CH2OH/DBU or PhSH/Cs
2CO3 in DMF under mild conditions to give the corresponding primary amines
in high to excellent yield. For removal of the 2,4-dinitrobrnzenesulfonyl g
roup, the use of thiol alone (HSCH2CH2OH or PhSH) was quite effective. Sele
ctive deprotection of 2,4-dinitrobenzene-sulfonamide in the presence of 2-n
itrobznzenesulfonamide has also been achieved.