A Comprehensive Exploration of the Synergistic Relationship between DMSO and Peroxide in Organic Synthesis

In the realm of organic synthesis, reagents can serve not only as solvents but also as synthons. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is recognized for its efficiency in this dual capacity, enabling diverse chemical transformations. DMSO can generate various synthons, including methyl, methylene, methine, oxygen, and methyl sulfoxide, broadening the accessible compound repertoire. Activation of DMSO as a reagent relies heavily on synergies with secondary agents like peroxide, persulfate, or iodine. Recent years have witnessed a surge in innovative synthetic techniques harnessing the synergistic interplay of DMSO and peroxide, leading to environmentally friendly and cost-effective reactions with mild conditions. This review highlights the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides (up to 2023), detailing their activation mechanisms and the generation of various synthons, along with numerous reported derivatives. Although this topic has received considerable attention in recent years, there are numerous discrepancies and a plethora of possibilities yet to be explored. We anticipate that this review will significantly support researchers in advancing their innovations to a greater extent in the future.

Graphical Abstract

This review accentuates the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides like potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈), sodium persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈), ammonium persulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and tertbutyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), as well as Oxone. It highlights their collaborative role in generating diverse synthons and elucidates the mechanisms of activation.