Switchable Synthesis of Sulfoxides, Sulfones and Thiosulfonates through Selectfluor-Promoted Oxidation with H2O as O-Source

A practical and efficient protocol for the switchable synthesis of sulfoxides, sulfones, and thiosulfonates via Selectfluor-mediated oxidation of sulfides has been developed at ambient temperature. These organosulfur compounds can be prepared with nearly all quantitative yields by applying eco-friendly H2O as O- source. The formation of sulfoxides and thiosulfonates takes only a few minutes (3-20 min). As suggested by the control experiments, the oxidation procedure might proceed through the fluorination of sulfide, nucleophilic addition with H2O and the elimination of hydrogen fluoride.