Abstract: A new route to A2-thiazolines is presented, consisting of treatment of an episulfide with a nitrile in the presence of a strong acid. The stereospecificity of the reaction is shown by production of isomeric thiazolines from cis-and trans-2-butene episulfides. The reaction is successful with either alkyl or aryl nitriles and gives moderate yields even with hindered nitriles. Polymerization of the episulfide is a competing reaction and predominates in the ...
