Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of dimethyl sulphoxide with bromine in aqueous solution

Abstract

The kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of dimethyl sulphoxide to dimethyl sulphone with bromine have been investigated. The reaction is first order in both bromine and dimethyl sulphoxide and is catalysed by acetate ions. These results, together with the observed rate reduction in the presence of bromide ion are consistent with the rate-determining step in the oxidation being the hydrolysis of Me₂BrSO formed in a pre-equilibrium reaction between bromine and Me₂SO.