VO2F(dmpz)2: a new catalyst for selective oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides with H2O2

A newly developed and structurally characterized vanadium complex [VO2F(dmpz)2] (dmpz = 3, 5 dimethyl pyrazole) is reported as recyclable catalyst for the selective oxidation of organic sulfides with H2O2 in CH3CN at sub-ambient temperature. [VO2F(dmpz)2]–H2O2 system chemoselectively oxidizes alkyl as well as aryl sulfides in the presence of oxidation prone functional groups such as CC, –CN, and –OH. Refractory sulfides (dibenzothiophenes) are also oxidized to sulfoxides.