An asymmetric synthesis of thiotetronic acids using chirality transfer via an allyl xanthate-to-dithiocarbonate rearrangement. X-Ray crystal structure of (5R)-2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-phenyl-5-prop-1′-enyl-2-oxothiophene

An asymmetric synthesis of thiotetronic acids has been developed which is based upon an allyl xanthate-to-dithiocarbonate rearrangement, the absolute configuration of the products being confirmed by an X-ray crystal structure determination.