A variety of sulfides were converted into the corresponding sulfoxide
derivatives with 70% tert-butyl
hydroperoxide in water as the oxidant in the presence of catalytic
quantity of silver nitrate. The method described has a wide range
of application, does not involve cumbersome workup, exhibits chemoselectivity,
and proceeds under mild reaction conditions, and the resulting products are
obtained in good yields within a reasonable time.
oxidation - sulfide - sulfoxide - silver
nitrate -
tert-butyl hydroperoxide
