An unexpected 1,2-hydride shift in phosphoric acid-promoted cyclodimerization of styrene oxides under solvent-free conditions. A synthetic route towards 2,4-disubstituted 1,3-dioxolanes

A 1,2-hydride shift in the phosphoric acid-promoted cyclodimerization of styrene oxide and its chloro derivatives under solvent-free conditions leading to 2,4-disubstituted 1,3-dioxolanes is described. Methoxy substituents on the aromatic ring of the styrene oxide prevent the 1,2-hydride shift reaction leading to substituted 1,4-dioxanes. A possible mechanism for the formation of the 1,3-dioxolanes is proposed.