Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II)-imine-dopamine@Fe3O4 MNPs as a new catalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been one of the most noteworthy catalyst support, offering the advantages of their easy preparation and functionalization, large surface area ratio, superficial recovery and easy separation by an external magnet, low toxicity and price [1]. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides is great importance in organic synthesis. Chiral sulfoxide intermediates can be found in pharmaceuticals [2]. In recent years many transition metal catalysts systems have been reported for sulfoxidation but many of these systems suffer from one or more limitations, such ashard separation from the reaction mixtures, which lead to lower the purity of the products, leaching of metal and expensive materials [3]. In this light, herein we have proposed a highlyefficient method for synthesis of sulfoxides using H2O2 as green oxidant catalyzed by Cu(II)-imine-dopamine@Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles.