A straightforward zinc-catalysed reduction of sulfoxides to sulfides

In the present study, the zinc-catalysed reduction of a variety of sulfoxides with silanes as reductant to the corresponding sulfide has been examined in detail. With the straightforward and commercially available zinc(II) triflate as pre-catalyst, excellent yields and chemoselectivities were feasible. After studying the reaction conditions and the scope and limitations several attempts were undertaken to shed light on the reaction mechanism.