Selective hydrogen peroxide oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs-COOH) as heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalysts under organic solvent-free conditions

This study deals with oxidation of sulfides to sulfones by using a heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst. Alkyl and aryl sulfides were directly oxidized to the corresponding sulfones in excellent yields with 30% H2O2 under organic solvent-free conditions, in the presence of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs-COOH) as the efficient and heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The oxidation of alkyl and aryl sulfides proceeded at room temperature, and the corresponding sulfones were selectively obtained. The catalyst is recyclable for at least 8 cycles, and the only byproduct is water.