The Solvent Effect in the Sulfoxidation of Thioethers by Hydrogen Peroxide Using Ti-Containing Zeolites as Catalysts

Abstract The oxidation reaction of ethyl sulfide by hydrogen peroxide is investigated in various organic solvents, without catalyst and over Ti-containing zeolites (TS-1 and Ti-beta, respectively) as catalysts. It is shown that the reaction rate greatly depends on the nature of the solvent (protic or aprotic) whether the reaction is catalyzed or not. In the case of the catalyzed reaction, Ti-beta is more active and selective than TS-1 for all the solvents.