ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 20, Number 4
JKCSEZ 20(4)
August 20, 1976 

The fact that a reaction between organothioenamine phosphonate and styrene oxide produces a derivative of cyclopropane has been proved by structural identification. This suggests that an anionic oxygen atom from the ring opening of the styrene oxide by nucleophilic attack of thioenamine phosphonate links to the phosphorous atom to from a betaine as an intermediate which is followed by cleavage of the weak P-C bond. The dextrorotatory optical activity of the product showed that the reaction was under the control of steric stability of the benzyl carbon in styrene which leads to the product through a sterically stable pathway.