Cerium (IV) triflate catalyzes the selective oxidation of a variety of dialkyl, alkyl aryl and Cyclic sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide (50%) in high yields. The method is compatible with many functional groups including alcohols, aldehydes, olefins, halogens, nitriles and esters. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.