A highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of sulfides derived from an open-framework copper borovanadate containing a unique crown-shaped anion.

A novel 3D open-framework copper borovanadate with a unique crown-shaped anion [(VIVO)8(VVO)4B32O64(OH)8]12- and the largest ratio of Cu2+/borovanadate anions (6/1) has been successfully synthesized and systematically studied. The compound not only possesses high stability in a wide pH range of 3.2-10.8 (DMF solution), but also exhibits excellent catalytic activities for selective oxidation of sulfides.