Selective synthesis of sulfoxides and sulfones by tantalum(V) catalyzed oxidation of sulfides with 30% hydrogen peroxide

The reaction of sulfides with 30% hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by tantalum(V) chloride in acetonitrile, i-propanol, or t-butanol selectively provided the corresponding sulfoxides in high yields. On the other hand, the reaction of sulfides with 30% hydrogen peroxide-catalyzed by tantalum(V) chloride or tantalum(V) ethoxide in methanol effectively gave the sulfones.