Process for the electrocatalytic oxidation of benzyl mercaptan to benzyl sulfoxide using iron-based complexes

By using the iron-based complex Na[Fe(TAML)] in a constant voltage electrolysis solution of acetonitrile/water, the efficient and green conversion of benzyl sulfide to benzyl sulfoxide was achieved, solving the problems of severe pollution, high cost and narrow substrate applicability in existing technologies, and achieving high selectivity and high efficiency catalytic effect.

CN122279656APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
Filing Date
2026-03-30
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sulfide oxidation technologies rely on strong oxidants, resulting in severe pollution and low atom economy. Precious metal catalysts are expensive, while non-precious metal catalysts have insufficient activity and selectivity, narrow substrate applicability, and poor stability of traditional iron-based complexes, making them difficult to apply on a large scale.

Method used

Using the iron-based complex Na[Fe(TAML)] as a homogeneous molecular catalyst, the efficient and green conversion of anisole to benzyl sulfoxide is achieved by constant voltage electrolysis in an acetonitrile/water mixed electrolyte, with water as the sole oxygen source.

Benefits of technology

Achieving 100% conversion of anisole, 92% yield of sulfoxide, and 84% Faradaic efficiency significantly improved the selectivity and kinetic efficiency of the catalytic reaction, reduced catalytic costs, solved the pollution and cost problems of traditional technologies, and provided a feasible path for the green industrial production of sulfoxide compounds.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a method for the electrocatalytic oxidation of anisole to anisole sulfoxide using iron-based complexes, belonging to the fields of homogeneous catalysts and electrocatalytic oxidation technology. The invention utilizes an iron-based complex formed by coordination between a tetraamide macrocyclic ligand (TAML-H4) and metallic iron as a homogeneous molecular catalyst, with water as the sole oxygen source, to construct an electrocatalytic anisole oxidation system. Through the synergistic effect of the catalyst and water, a proton-coupled electron transfer and single-electron oxidation process occurs at the anolyte, resulting in the loss of two electrons and two protons to generate a high-valence iron-oxygen active intermediate [Fe]. Ⅴ (O)(TAML)] – This invention achieves highly efficient and selective oxidation of anisole, generating the high-value-added product benzyl sulfoxide at the anode. It eliminates the need for additional strong oxidants, employs mild reaction conditions, boasts high atom economy, and is environmentally friendly, making it suitable for the green conversion of sulfides in the synthesis of fine chemicals. This provides a feasible pathway for the industrial production of sulfoxide compounds.
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