The synthesis of 2-sulfinyl oxetanes is described by a C-C bond-forming cyclisation strategy. Oxetanes bearing electron-poor aryl sulfoxides are shown to be viable targets using this strategy. We report investigations into the sulfoxide magnesium exchange on 2-sulfinyl oxetanes, which resulted in products formed via ligand exchange and ligand coupling pathways. The sulfinyl oxetanes can be readily oxidised to the sulfonyl oxetanes.
The Hydrolysis of Chloromethyl Aryl Sulfides<sup>1</sup>