The stereoselective synthesis of oxetanes; exploration of a new, Mitsunobu-style procedure for the cyclisation of 1,3-diols

Abstract

A solution of 2-methyl-3-[1-(phenylsulfanyl)cyclohexyl]propane-1,3-diol 1 in toluene treated with triphenylphosphine, Ziram® 2 and DEAD, gave 3-methyl-2-[1-(phenylsulfanyl)cyclohexyl]oxetane 3 in 85% yield. A mechanistic study has been undertaken, optimal conditions have been found and the range of substrates for which the reaction is useful has been explored. We include the results of an X-ray study which shows that compound 33 (the oxidation product of diol 1) is a sulfone rather than a sulfoxide as previously reported.