Oxetane synthesis via cyclisation of aryl sulfonate esters on polystyrene and PEG polymeric supports

The addition of suitably protected pentaerythritols to polymer supported sulfonyl chloride with subsequent alkoxide formation and intramolecular cyclisation to generate oxetanes is described. This convenient method for the preparation of oxetanes has several advantages over analogous solution phase reactions and the methodology is extended to the preparation and use of a novel PEG-sulfonyl chloride.