Synthesis and bioactivity of novel sulfone derivatives containing 2,4-dichlorophenyl substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole/thiadiazole moiety as chitinase inhibitors

► We examined the antifungal activities and mechanism of action with new sulfones. ► The D-GlcNAc, chitinase activity, mycelial pyruvate and soluble protein content of R. solani showed declining tendency. ► Docking simulation was performed to the active site of family 18 chitinases. ► The variation of parameters indicates the new sulfone is a small-molecule chitinase inhibitor.