sulfide oxidation
sulfoxides
asymmetric synthesis
enantioselective synthesis
metal-based catalysts
ALKYL ARYL SULFIDES
CHIRAL SCHIFF-BASES
HELMINTHOSPORIUM SPECIES NRRL-4671
OPTICALLY-ACTIVE SULFOXIDES
BENZYL METHYL SULFOXIDES
AQUEOUS HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE
TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE
TWIN CORONET PORPHYRINS
MANDELIC-ACID COMPLEX
BOVINE SERUM-ALBUMIN
This review discusses synthesis of enantiopure sulfoxides through the asymmetric oxidation of prochiral sulfides. The use of metal complexes to promote asymmetric sulfoxidation is described in detail, with a particular emphasis on the synthesis of biologically active sulfoxides. The use of non-metal-based systems, such as oxaziridines, chiral hydroperoxides and peracids, as well as enzyme-catalyzed sulfoxidations is also examined.