Copper-catalyzed asymmetric oxidation of sulfides

J Org Chem. 2012 Apr 6;77(7):3288-96. doi: 10.1021/jo2026178. Epub 2012 Mar 12.

Abstract

Copper-catalyzed asymmetric sulfoxidation of aryl benzyl and aryl alkyl sulfides, using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, has been investigated. A relationship between the steric effects of the sulfide substituents and the enantioselectivity of the oxidation has been observed, with up to 93% ee for 2-naphthylmethyl phenyl sulfoxide, in modest yield in this instance (up to 30%). The influence of variation of solvent and ligand structure was examined, and the optimized conditions were then used to oxidize a number of aryl alkyl and aryl benzyl sulfides, producing sulfoxides in excellent yields in most cases (up to 92%), and good enantiopurities in certain cases (up to 84% ee).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Sulfides / chemistry*
  • Sulfoxides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Ligands
  • Sulfides
  • Sulfoxides
  • Copper
  • Hydrogen Peroxide