Different iron(III) complexes were used as catalysts in sulfoxidation reactions giving excellent yields and a high chemoselectivity. Among the complexes, the best one was a solid beta-cyclodextrin-FeBr3 complex. Sulfoxidation takes place with high chemoselectivity in the presence of other groups such as benzaldehyde, benzylic alcohol, benzylic methylene and benzothiazole. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.