Thioether oxidation by hydrogen peroxide using titanium-containing zeolites as catalysts

Titanium substituted ZSM-5 (TS-1) and BEA (Ti-beta) are investigated as catalysts for the selective oxidation of thioethers with diluted H2O2, in a protic solvent, at 303 K. The performances of TS-1 and Ti-beta samples are analyzed in relation with structure of thioethers, nature of solvent and shape selectivity effect of catalysts. A mechanism for organic sulfides oxidation on Ti-containing zeolites is proposed.