Highly atom-economic, catalyst- and solvent-free oxidation of sulfides into sulfones using 30% aqueous H2O2

Abstract

Highly atom-efficient oxidation of sulfides into sulfones under solvent- and catalyst-free reaction conditions using a 30% aqueous solution of H₂O₂ at 75 °C is reported. A structurally diverse set of phenyl alkyl-, phenyl benzyl-, benzyl alkyl-, dialkyl-, heteroaryl alkyl- and cyclic sulfides were transformed into sulfones regardless of the aggregate state and electronic nature of the substituents. In spite of the heterogeneous reaction mixtures throughout the work, no difficulties with stirring and reaction progress were noted. In numerous cases, only 10 mol% excess of H₂O₂ was used, thus contributing considerably to the high atom economy of the process. Some solid substrates required a variable excess of hydrogen peroxide; however, the reactions were performed strictly without organic solvents. The transformation was demonstrated to be amenable for scale-up with both liquid and solid sulfides. In addition, isolation and purification of the crude products can be simply done with only filtration and crystallization.