BH₄^--Promoted, Radical-Initiated, Catalytic Oxidation of (CH₃)₂SO by N₂O in Aqueous Solution

Methyl radicals react with BH₄^- to form BH₃^·-/BH₄^· (k ≈ 5 × 10³ M^-1 s^-1. BH₃^·-/BH₄^· reacts with N₂O to form OH^· radicals, which react with (CH₃)₂SO to form methyl radicals and thus initiate a chain oxidation process. It is suggested that analogous reactions can be initiated by the reaction of OH^· radicals with other organic substrates. Thus, BH₄^- promotes oxidation processes. Methyl radicals react with borohydride ions to form BH₃^·-/BH₄^· which reacts with N₂O forming hydroxyl radicals, thus initiating a chain oxidation process.