Sulfoxide, dibenzyl bonding

Bacteria selected for growth with bis-(3-pentflnorophenylpropy)-sulfide as sulfur source are able to use dimethyl sulfoxide, dibenzyl snlfide, and some long-chain disulfides as sources of sulfur (van Hamme et al. 2004). Degradation takes place by oxidation to the sulfone, scission of the C-S bond to an alkanol, and an alkyl sulfinate that is degraded with loss of the snlfnr, which is nsed for growth. 

Most linear ceilulosics may be dissolved in solvents capable of breaking the strong hydrogen bonds. These solvents include aqueous solutions of inorganic acids, zinc chloride, lithium chloride, dimethyl dibenzyl ammonium hydroxide, and cadmium or copper ammonia hydroxide (Schweizer s reagent). Cellulose is also soluble in hydrazine, dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of formaldehyde, and dimethylformamide in the presence of lithium chloride. The product precipitated by the addition of nonsolvents to these solutions is highly amorphous and is called regenerated cellulose. 

Anderson, Colonna, and Stirling (jj) have recently reported (r)-dibenzyl-sulfoxide. In this compound the optical activity ([oJaao =+0-Tl) originates from having two carbon isotopes bonded to sulfur. 

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