Transition-Metal-Free, Chemoselective Aerobic Oxidations of Sulfides and Alcohols with Potassium Nitrate and Pyridinium Tribromide or Bromine

An efficient oxidation of sulfides with air catalyzed by the combination of potassium nitrate with pyridinium tribromide under transition-metal-free conditions was reported. By replacing pyridinium tribromide with bromine, the reaction system was also useful in the oxidation of alcohols. All reactions afforded the corresponding products in good to excellent yields with high chemoselectivities.