Selective and efficient oxidation of sulfides and thiols with a 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine/Br2 complex

Abstract

The 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine/Br 2 complex has been found to be an efficient reagent for the selective oxidation of aliphatic and aromatic sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides and the oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides. 1,1,3,3-Tetramethylguanidine can be recovered at the completion of the reaction and reused. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.