Efficient and highly selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides in the presence of an ionic liquid containing hypervalent iodine

A mild, efficient, highly selective, and environmentally friendly oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with a recyclable ion-supported hypervalent iodine reagent has been developed. This reaction is tolerant of hydroxyl, nitrile, methoxy, carbon-carbon double bonds, and ester functionalities. Aliphatic and aromatic Sulfides are selectively oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides at room temperature in excellent yields.