Binuclear manganese complexes as catalysts in the selective and efficient oxidation of sulfides to sulfones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01518-4

The binuclear Mn(IV)-Mn(IV) manganese complex 1 catalyzes the periodic acid oxidation of sulfides to sulfones under mild conditions. The reaction was found to be highly selective giving almost quantitative yields of the sulfones even in the presence other easily oxidized groups. Only amines were found to hinder the reaction.