Synlett 2010(10): 1557-1561  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1219947
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Tantalum Carbide or Niobium Carbide Catalyzed Oxidation of Sulfides with Hydrogen Peroxide: Highly Efficient and Chemoselective Syntheses of Sulfoxides and Sulfones

Masayuki Kirihara*, Atsushi Itou, Takuya Noguchi, Junya Yamamoto
Department of Materials and Life Science, Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology, 2200-2 Toyosawa, Fukuroi, Shizuoka 437-8555, Japan
Fax: +81(538)450110; e-Mail: kirihara@ms.sist.ac.jp;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 22 February 2010
Publication Date:
25 May 2010 (online)

Abstract

The oxidation of sulfides with 30% hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by tantalum carbide provided the corresponding sulfoxides in high yields. The reaction of sulfides with 30% hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by niobium carbide efficiently afforded the corresponding sulfones. These catalysts can easily be recovered from the reaction mixture and may be repeatedly used as catalysts for the oxidation without losing their activity.

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