Process intensification using cavitation: optimization of oxidation conditions for synthesis of sulfone

Cavitation can be effectively used for intensification of chemical reactions due to the production of free radicals and conditions of high temperatures and pressures locally. In the present work, use of cavitation for the intensification of the synthesis of sulfone has been explored. The oxidation of thioether or sulfide to synthesize corresponding sulfone with 30% H₂O₂ as an oxidant was studied under acoustic cavitation and the results have been compared with the conventional approach based on the use of mechanical agitation. The aim has been also to optimize the different operating conditions viz. molar ratio of reactants to the oxidizing agent, type of the catalyst as well as its concentration, type of the solvent and the reactant concentration, so as to maximize the degree of intensification. It was observed that under the optimized conditions of sonication, the yield of sulfone was about five to six times higher as compared to the conventional approach of using mechanical agitation only.