A novel preparation of cyclic sulfites through photosulfoxidation of alkenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)97338-7

The cyclic sulfite, 4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3,2-dioxathiolane 2-oxide, has been prepared by the photosulfoxidation of trans-2-pentene, and the quantum yield for the reaction has been determined. The proposed mechanism involves the reaction of a charge transfer complex formed between sulfur dioxide and the alkene, and is consistent with the participation of the triplet state of the former.