syringe techniques, a THF solution of methyl sodio (pheny1-sulfony1) acetate (5.5 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of the cation salt 1 or 2 (1.97 g, 5 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at 0" C. After being stirred for 15 min the homogeneous solution was poured into water and then extracted with ether in the usual way. After being dried (MgSO,), the organic phase was evaporated to leave a yellow oil which was chromatographed on silica gel with ...