Multiphase oxidation of alcohols and sulfides with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by heteropolyacids

This work describes the application of a multiphase system for the oxidation of alcohols to ketones or aldehydes, and the selective conversion of sulfides to sulfoxides or sulfones using Keggin-type heteropolyacids and hydrogen peroxide. Benzylic and secondary alcohols were oxidized to ketones or aldehydes at 70 °C in good yield and selectivity. Similarly, sulfides were converted to sulfoxides or sulfones at room temperature with high yields and selectivity.

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► Multiphase system using Keggin-type heteropolyacids and hydrogen peroxide is effective for oxidation reactions in good high yield and selectivity.
► Benzylic and secondary alcohols were oxidized to ketones or aldehydes at 70 °C.
► Sulfides were converted to sulfoxides at 20 °C and to sulfones at 70 °C.