A SULFOXIMIDOOXIRANE

The crystal structure of the title compound, S-(trans-3-methyl-2-oxira nyl) -S-phenyl-N-(p-tolylsulfonyl)sulfoximide, C16H17NO4S2, has two in dependent molecules in the asymmetric unit, which differ significantly only in the conformation of the (p-tolylsulfonyl)sulfoximide group. T he powerful electron-withdrawing Properties of the sulfoximide substit uent produce a marked difference in the C-O bond lengths of the oxiran e ring, the nearer bond being substantially shortened relative to the distal bond. The observed structure further demonstrates the high degr ee of diastereoselectivity in the nucleophilic epoxidation of vinylsul foximides with lithium tert-butyl-peroxide.