Aqueous sodium hypochlorite mediated chemoselective oxidation of chalcogenides to monoxides and dioxides by microwave exposure

A solvent-free, rapid, and highly selective oxidation of sulfides, selenides, and tellurides (chalcogenides) to the corresponding monoxides (sulfoxides, selenoxides, and telluroxides) or the corresponding dioxides (sulfones, selenones, and tellurones) has been developed using aqueous sodium hypochlorite on solid supports by exposure to microwave. Chemoselectivity and quantitative yields have been attained in most cases.