PyHBr3/TBN/H2O as catalytic system for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with air as the oxidant

Pyridinium bromide perbromide (PyHBr3) and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) catalytic system was used for the oxidation of sulfides with air as the oxidant. Under mild conditions (at room temperature), a series of sulfide substrates have been oxidized to their corresponding sulfoxides with high conversion rate. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the PyHBr3/TBN/H2O is reported as exceptional catalyst system for the oxidation discussed in this Letter. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.