Simple and efficient method for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using hydrogen peroxide and a Mo(VI) based catalyst

A simple and efficient method for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones at room temperature using ammonium heptamolybdate and 30% H2O2 is developed. The reactions provide excellent yields within short time, also sensitive functional groups such as allyl, vinyl, propargyl, alcohol, ketone. ester, pyridine and nitrile are found to be tolerated. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.