Modulation of photochemical oxidation of thioethers to sulfoxides or sulfones using an aromatic ketone as the photocatalyst

Abstract We have developed an eco-friendly and chemo-selective photocatalytic synthesis of sulfoxides or sulfones via oxidation of sulfides (thioethers) at ambient temperature using air or O2 as the oxidant. An inexpensive thioxanthone was used as the photocatalyst. Our method offers excellent chemical yields and good functional group tolerance. The hydrogen bonding between hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) and sulfoxides may play an important role in minimizing the over-oxidization of sulfoxides.