Electrochemical Scalable Sulfoxidation of Sulfides with Molecular Oxygen and Water

An efficient and chemoselective synthesis of sulfoxides through the electrooxidation of sulfides has been well developed. This protocol takes advantage of electricity as the terminal oxidant and of molecular oxygen and water as the oxygen atom sources. A variety of structurally diverse sulfoxide compounds are assembled in moderate to excellent yields. The scaled‐up reactions at 6–20 mmol show the good practicability and application potential of this methodology. A possible free radical mechanism has been proposed to rationalize the reaction procedure. A practical, environmentally friendly and safe methodology for the synthesis of sulfoxides through the electrooxidation of sulfides with O2 and H2O as the oxygen source is reported. This method is characterized by a wide substrate scope, good chemoselectivity, cheap electrode materials, and external catalyst and oxidant free. The protocol allows also large‐scale preparations without decrease in yields.