Kinetic and thermodynamic control in the stereospecific synthesis of cyclic ethers via phenylsulfanyl (PhS) migration

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)00603-X

The factors controlling the stereospecific cyclisation of 1,3-diols with PhS migration to give THFs rather than oxetanes are reassessed in the light of evidence that these reactions are under thermodynamic control. Rearrangement of cyclic sulfites gives the nearest approach to kinetic control.