Host (aluminum incorporated mesocellulous silica foam (Al-MCF))-guest (tungsten polyoxometalate) nanocomposite material: an efficient and reusable catalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones

A green, efficient and selective approach for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones with H2O2 at room temperature is reported. The reaction is performed in the presence of tungstophosphoric acid (PW12) supported on an aluminum incorporated mesocellulous silica foam (Al-MCF) (via both: the impregnation and encapsulation methods), as heterogeneous and reusable catalysts. The structural and textural characterizations of these catalysts were done using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption and TEM.

► Ordered mesoporous silicas have been reported as suitable supports.
► High surface areas were obtained for the modified-Al-MCF samples.
► The PW12@Al-MCF is efficient catalysts for the selective oxidation of sulfides.