Silylene transfer to allylic sulfides: formation of substituted silacyclobutanes.

ABSTRACT

Silylene transfer to allylic sulfides results in a formal 1,2-sulfide migration. The rearrangement yields substituted silacyclobutanes, not the expected silacyclopropanes. The silacyclobutanes were elaborated by insertions of carbonyl compounds selectively into one carbon-silicon bond. A mechanism for the 1,2-sulfide migration is proposed involving an episulfonium ion intermediate.