Oxidation of benzothiophene by tert-butyl hydroperoxide over vanadia–alumina catalyst: An FT-IR study at the vapour–solid interface

The adsorption and coadsorption of tert-butyl hydroperoxide and benzothiophene vapours over vanadia–alumina catalysts has been investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy. The formation of surface tert-butyl-peroxide species has been observed. These species oxidize benzothiophene to the corresponding sulphones at room temperature (r.t.). Sulphoxides are not observed.