Catalytic asymmetric oxidation of aryl methyl sulfides mediated by a (S,S)-1,2-diphenylethan-1,2-diol/titanium/ water complex

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(96)00534-4

The asymmetric oxidation of aryl methyl sulfides to sulfoxides with hydroperoxides has been achieved using catalytic amounts of the complex formed in situ between Ti(i-PrO)₄, (S,S)-diphenylethan- 1,2-diol 1 and water. The sulfoxides are obtained in 60% yield and 67-80% enantiomeric excess.