Selective oxidation of sulfides under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

Alkyl and aryl sulfides can be oxidized under mild, solvent-free conditions with good selectivity. If the oxidant is a mixture of sodium bromate and cation exchange resin, the products are sulfoxides; if it is a mixture of permanganate and copper sulfate pentahydrate, the products are sulfones. The procedures are experimentally simple and the products, obtained in nearly quantitative yields, are easily separated and purified.