Sulfoxidation

in chemistry, sulfoxidation refers to two distinct reactions.

In one meaning, sulfoxidation refers to the reaction of alkanes with a mixture of sulfur dioxide and oxygen. This reaction is employed industrially to produce alkyl sulfonic acids, which are used as surfactants. The reaction requires UV-radiation.^[1]

RH + SO₂ + ½ O₂ → RSO₃H

The reaction favors secondary positions in accord with its free-radical mechanism. Mixtures are produced. Semiconductor-sensitized variants have been reported.^[2]

Sulfoxidation can also refer to the oxidation of a thioether to a sulfoxide.

R₂S + O → R₂SO

A typical source of oxygen is hydrogen peroxide.^[3]