Poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)–H2O2 and poly(4-vinylpyridine)–H2O2 complexes: solid H2O2 equivalents for selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and ketones to gem-dihydroperoxides

Abstract

Complexes of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVD) and poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) with hydrogen peroxide have been prepared and their synthetic utility as solid H₂O₂ equivalents for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and ketones to gem-dihydroperoxides has been studied. These complexes are convenient and safe alternatives to H₂O₂ solutions and it is found that various symmetric as well as unsymmetrical sulfides undergo oxidation under mild conditions to provide the respective sulfoxides in high yields. A series of gem-dihydroperoxides were obtained from the corresponding ketones in good yields under ambient conditions.