Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfones Using H₂O₂ and Anderson-Type Hexamolybdochromate(III) as Catalyst

Abstract

An Anderson-type hexamolybdochromate(III) is found to be an effective catalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides to their corresponding sulfones. The reaction was carried out in 60% aq. acetonitrile (v/v) using 30% H₂O₂ at 60°C. Various dialkyl, alkyl-aryl, and diaryl sulfides were selectively oxidized, giving high yields of sulfones after a simple workup procedure.

Keywords:

• Hexamolybdochromate (III)
• homogeneous catalysis
• hydrogen peroxide
• oxidation
• sulfones

Acknowledgments

A. R. Supale gratefully acknowledges UGC, New Delhi, India, for Research Fellowship.

Notes

^a Reaction conditions: sulfide (1 mmol), 2 mol% hexamolybdochromate(III), H₂O₂ (2 equivalent) at 60°C in 60% aq. acetonitrile(v/v).

^b Isolated yield.

^a Reaction conditions: sulfide (1 mmol), H₂O₂ (2 equivalent) at 60°C in 60% aq. acetonitrile (v/v).

^b Pure isolated yield.

^a Reaction conditions: sulfide (1 mmol), H₂O₂ (2 equivalent) at 60°C and 2 mol% hexamolybdochromate(III) at 60°C in 60% acetonitrile(v/v).

^b Pure isolated yield.