The Structure and Methods of Synthesis of Thiirans

The data presented in the review confirm the earlier results concerning a structural similarity between the two-carbon skeleton of the thiiran ring and the double bond of alkenes.
The available data on the syntheses and structures of thiirans and alkene episulphoxides and episulphones are treated systematically. The methods for the formation of the thiiran ring are classified and synthetic procedures based on homolytic, anionotropic, and cationotropic closure of thiiran rings and on thiiran reactions occurring without the opening of the ring are discussed.
The bibliography includes 236 references.