We report a novel high-yielding approach to trifluoro­methyl vinyl sulfoxide from 2-mercaptoethanol and trifluoromethyl iodide. Additionally, the principal ability of this compound to react with N-, O-, and S-nucleophiles is demonstrated.

A simple and efficient protocol for the oxidation of trifluoromethyl, mono- and difluoromethyl sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides without over-oxidation to sulfones, using TFPAA prepared in situ from trifluoroacetic acid and 15% H₂O₂ aqueous solution was developed. The methodology is suitable for a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic substrates in milligram and multigram scales.