Synthesis of Sulfonyl Chlorides and Sulfonic Acids in SDS Micelles

H2O2/POCl3 is found to be a reactive reagent system that can be used in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solution in aqueous media for the direct oxidative chlorination of thiol and di­sulfide derivatives to give the desired sulfonyl chlorides. The oxidation of thiols and disulfides to sulfonic acids with this system is also reported. In most cases, these reactions are highly selective, simple, and clean, affording products in excellent yields and high purity.