Efficient and Highly Selective Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides in the Presence of an Ionic Liquid Containing Hypervalent Iodine

A mild, efficient, highly selective, and environmentally friendly oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with a recyclable ion-supported hypervalent iodine reagent has been developed. This reaction is tolerant of hydroxyl, nitrile, methoxy, carbon-carbon double bonds, and ester functionalities. Aliphatic and aromatic sulfides are selectively oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides at room temperature in excellent yields.