Synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofurans via intermolecular reactions of γ-chlorocarbanions of 3-substituted 3-chloro-propylphenyl sulfones with aldehydes

Carbanions of 3-substituted-3-chloropropyl phenyl sulfones add to carbonyl groups of aldehydes to produce aldol type adducts that undergo 1,5-intramolecular substitution giving 2,3,5-trisubstituted tetrahydrofurans. The effect of substituents in the 3-position of these sulfones on the relative rates of 1,3-intramolecular substitution of the corresponding γ-chlorocarbanions and their intramolecular addition are disclosed.