Chemoselective sulfide oxidation mediated by bridged flavinium organocatalysts

The chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides, catalysed by bridged, tetracyclic flavinium catalysts is presented. The flavinium catalysts are easily prepared via a telescoped three-step process. A range of sulfoxides is accessed in excellent yield and chemoselectivity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.