Efficient Oxidation of Sulfides Using Bio-Based Cu (II) Catalyst

Abstract

In this study, the efficiency of a novel catalyst system was evaluated for the oxidation of various sulfides, with a focus on the role of natural compounds, taxifolin and berberine, in enhancing catalytic performance. The solubility of these compounds in aqueous media facilitated their effective interaction with reactants, eliminating the need for toxic organic solvents and aligning with green chemistry principles. The reaction conditions were optimized by studying the effects of solvent type, oxidant amount, reaction time, and temperature. The results demonstrated that water was the most effective solvent, providing the highest yields and selectivity due to the superior solubility of the catalyst in polar protic media. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited remarkable efficiency and selectivity across a wide range of sulfide substrates, converting them to sulfoxids under mild conditions. This work highlights the potential of integrating bio-based catalysts with environmentally friendly systems, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to organic synthesis.