Photooxidation of Thioethers to Sulfoxides and the Self-Initiating Mechanism Evidenced by DFT Calculations
Abstract
A catalyst-free photoaerobic protocol has been developed for the highly selective oxidation of thioethers in the presence of acetic acid. Based on DFT calculations, the thioether-O 2 complex is identified as the photosensitizer to trigger the radical cascade. This protocol enables the green synthesis of alkyl-aryl, diaryl, and dialkyl sulfoxides, including pharmaceutical molecules.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Sulfur-Based Synthesis Techniques
Radical Photochemical Reactions
Organic Chemistry Cycloaddition Reactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of Organic Chemistry
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 91
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 3012–3016
- Publication date
- 4 February 2026
- Language
- EN