Imidazolium perrhenate ionic liquids as efficient catalysts for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfones

• Imidazolium perrhenate based ionic liquids are catalysts for the oxidation of various sulfides to sulfones.
• First application of perrhenate in the oxidation of sulfides in homogeneous phase.
• The perrhenate catalysts exhibit good conversions and selectivities at mild reaction conditions, as well as easy recyclability.

A series of imidazolium perrhenate ionic liquids (IPILs) have been synthesized and used as efficient catalysts for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with aqueous hydrogen peroxide under mild conditions. Various sulfones are obtained in good to excellent yields. IPILs are stable and can be reused at least ten times without detectable activity loss. Furthermore, this system provides a reasonably environmentally benign chemical process in terms of potential industrial application.

A series of imidazolium perrhenate ionic liquids (IPILs) have been synthesized and used as efficient catalysts for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with aqueous hydrogen peroxide under mild conditions.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide