A new approach to large scale production of dimethyl sulfone: A promising and strong recyclable solvent for ligand-free Cu-catalyzed C-C cross-coupling reactions

Dimethyl sulfone (DMSN) was easily prepared through efficient oxidation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and used as a strong and green solvent for organic reactions. A mixture of HNO3/NaOCl was used as an oxidizing agent for efficient oxidation of DMSO to DMSN. The effect of DMSN was evaluated for copper-catalyzed coupling reactions. It is worth noting that DMSN could play the role of a ligand for copper ions. A general survey was accomplished for various types of C-C cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by CuI in DMSN in the absence of any ligand. Moderate to good yields were achieved for Sonogashira, Heck, and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. Finally, DMSN was recovered and reused for several consecutive runs without any loss of its activity.