A Selective, Convenient, and Efficient Conversion of Sulfides to Sulfoxides

Abstract

A novel, convenient and chemoselective procedure for oxidizing sulfides to sulfoxides with 30% aqueous H₂O₂ in phenol at room temperature is described. The procedure is very simple and no strict conditions were required for the selective conversion without affecting the functional groups even including the highly reactive aldehyde group. The reactions proceeded very quickly in excellent yields. Some experimental evidences are presented describing the role of the solvent.

Key words

sulfide - sulfoxide - oxidation - phenol - H₂O₂

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