Abstract: | Nitro-groups positioned ortho to thio-esters have been shown to engage in strong, non-bonded intramolecular interactions between the sulfur atom and one of the nitro-group oxygens. The effect of the sulfur-nitro group oxygen interaction on the chemical reactivity at the sulfur atom of 9-nitro-1-azaphenoxathiin is reported. Conditions which normally produce the sulfone exclusively have been shown to yield the sulfoxide with only a minimal quantity of the sulfone produced. Protracted periods of reflux are required to produce the sulfone from the sulfoxide. |