New intramolecular alkylation and Michael addition reactions of hydroxysulfone derivatives—stereoselective preparation of functionalized cyclic ethers

A number of bromoacetal derivatives of γ and δ hydroxysulfones have been prepared and shown to undergo intramolecular alkylation reactions in good yields to give highly functionalized oxacyclic ring systems. Tetrahydrofuranyl and tetrahydropyranyl ring systems have also been prepared using the Michael addition reactions of the acrylate derivatives of hydroxysulfones.