Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation of sulfides

A variety of sulfides and disulfides were converted into the corresponding sulfoxide derivatives with 70% t-BuOOH (water) as the oxidant in the presence of catalytic quantity of CuBr2. The method described does not involve cumbersome work-up, has wide range of applicabilities, exhibits chemoselectivity, and proceeds under mild reaction conditions, and the resulting products are obtained in good yields within reasonable time.

An inexpensive and efficient method for the oxidation of a variety of aromatic and aliphatic sulfides with 70% t-BuOOH as oxidant in the presence of catalytic amounts of CuBr2 is described.