AN EFFECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF 1,3-OXATHIOLANES

2-Alkyl- or 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-oxathiolanes can be effectively prepared f rom aldehydes or ketones and 2-mercaptoethanol, with triisopropylsilyl triflate as a catalyst. The reaction is over within minutes and, desp ite the fact that water is nor removed during the reaction, the yields of products are high.