RECENT ADVANCES IN THE SYNTHESIS OF SULFOXIDES FROM SULFIDES

Abstract

This review deals with the various recent advances in the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides. Non-stereoselective, diastereoselective as well as enantioselective methods are covered. A considerable number of new oxidizing agents have been reported in the last ten to twelve years including those aiming to replace m-chloroperbenzoic acid as the classical sulfide oxidant: Oxone®. dimethyldioxirane, among others. Chiral sulfoxides are especially important in modern asymmetric synthesis, their obtention from prochiral sulfides by Davis' oxaziridines and modifications of Sharp-less procedure are discussed, along with other less common methods. The most newly reported microbiological and enzymatic oxidations are also included.