Catalytic Oxidation of Organic Compounds Using Hydrogen Peroxide as the co-Oxidant and Related Reactions

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the ideal oxidants in organic synthesis and green chemistry because the waste produced from hydrogen oxide-oxidation is nontoxic water. We have developed several synthetic reactions using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant catalyzed by transition metals or combinations of transition metals and halide ions (halogen anions). Electrophilic bromination and oxidation of organosulfur compounds (dithioacetals, thiols and sulfides) can be achieved and be selectively obtained the desired products in high yields. Selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using hydrogen peroxide has also been achieved under catalyst-free conditions using a T-shaped microreactor.