Mo-based Keggin heteropolyacids as catalysts in the green and selective oxidation of diphenyl sulfide

•Catalytic activity of different heteropolyacids with Keggin structure.•HPA-Keggin structure doped with different elements was synthesized by first time.•HPA-Keggin structure was supported on pure and functionalized silica.•The Keggin catalysts could be reused.•The reaction is useful due to status of compounds in biological molecules synthesis.

Heteropolyacids are used as redox catalysts due to their bifunctional properties. Some advantages over conventional catalysts, such as selectivity, easy isolation and reuse, are worth noting. In homogeneous conditions their isolation and recycling can be harder, so that they are supported for their use as heterogeneous catalysts.In this work, we compare the catalytic activity of different heteropolyacids with Keggin structure, supported on pure and functionalized silica (with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane). H6PMo11BO40, H6PMo11BiO40, H6PMo11LaO40, and H6PMo11YO40 were synthesized, supported and characterized by several physicochemical techniques. Highly selective results were obtained in the selective oxidation of diphenyl sulfide to diphenyl sulfoxide or diphenyl sulfone. Besides, these catalysts can be reused. The above-mentioned reaction is useful due to the importance of these compounds as intermediates in the synthesis of biologically significant molecules.

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