A new methodology for the oxidation of sulfides with Fe(III) catalysts

A variety of sulfides were converted to the corresponding sulfoxide derivatives with 70% t-BuOOH (water) as the oxidant in the presence of catalytic quantity of Fe2(SO4)3. The method described has a wide range of applications, involves simple work-up, exhibits chemoselectivity/enantioselectivity and proceeds under mild reaction conditions. The resulting products are obtained in good yield within a reasonable time. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.