Reduction of sulfoxides catalyzed by oxo-complexes

This work reports the catalytic activity of the oxo-complexes HReO4, MoO2(acac)(2), WO2Cl2, and VO(acac)(2) in the reduction of sulfoxides with PhSiH3 or HBcat. The results obtained showed that the catalyst systems PhSiH3/HReO4 (5 mol %) and HBcat/HReO4 (5 mol %) are highly efficient for the deoxygenation of sulfoxides. The complex MoO2(acac)(2) was also efficient, but the reactions required more time and heating. Finally, the complexes WO2Cl2 and VO(acac)(2) showed a moderate activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.