Modulation Of Photochemical Oxidation Of Thioethers To Sulfoxides Or Sulfones Using An Aromatic Ketone As The Photocatalyst

We have developed an eco-friendly and chemo-selective photocatalytic synthesis of sulfoxides or sulfones via oxidation of sulfides (thioethers) at ambient temperature using air or O-2 as the oxidant. An inexpensive thioxanthone was used as the photocatalyst. Our method offers excellent chemical yields and good functional group tolerance. The hydrogen bonding between hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) and sulfoxides may play an important role in minimizing the over-oxidization of sulfoxides. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.