Synlett 2006(5): 0709-0712  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-933109
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Efficient and Highly Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides in the Presence of an Ionic Liquid Containing Hypervalent Iodine

Weixing Qian*, Lin Pei
Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University (Campus Yuquan), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310028, P. R. of China
e-Mail: weixingqian@zju.edu.cn;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 November 2005
Publication Date:
09 March 2006 (online)

Abstract

A mild, efficient, highly selective, and environmentally friendly oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with a recyclable ion-supported hypervalent iodine reagent has been developed. This reaction is tolerant of hydroxyl, nitrile, methoxy, carbon-carbon double bonds, and ester functionalities. Aliphatic and aromatic sulfides are selectively oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides at room temperature in excellent yields.

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Typical Procedure: To a solution of methyl phenyl sulfide (62 mg, 0.5 mmol) in distilled water (1.5 g), [dibmim]+[BF4]- (303 mg, 0.6 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 min. Then, the mixture was extracted with Et2O (3 × 8 mL) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by TLC (PE-EtOAc) to afford methyl phenyl sulfoxide.