[MoO3(2,2'-bipy)](n) catalyzed oxidation of amines and sulfides

The polymeric catalyst [MoO3(2,2'-bipy)](n) has been employed in the oxidation of secondary amines to nitrones, and sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones, using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as the stoichiometric oxidant. Whereas the oxidation of amines occurs with less proficiency with respect to other previously studied polymeric Mo catalysts, the oxidation of sulfides occurs in high yield and selectivity. The catalyst is flexible in terms of substrate scope (aromatic, aliphatic and cyclic sulfides, thioheterocycles such as dimethyldibenzothiophene, the oxidation of which forms the basis of oxidation/separation processes for the desulfurization of fuels) and the ability to switch sulfoxide/sulfone product selectivities by adjusting the reaction conditions.