2.4.6- Triethyl-1,3,5-trioxane

Table XVI is a summary of typical results observed for cyclotrimerization of propionaldehyde to give 2,4,6-triethyl-1,3,5-trioxane (176). In catalysis by H3PMo12O40, the reaction mixture separates into two phases during the course of the batch reaction. The products are present in the upper layer and the catalyst in the lower layer, so that the catalyst solution can be used repeatedly without a catalyst isolation step. Selectivities exceeding 97% and turnovers exceeding 300 moles of product per mole of catalyst have been obtained.

Reacted at room temperature, I g of catalyst to 10g of propionaldehyde. Selectrivity to 2,4,6-triethyl-l,3,5-trioxane. Turnover number (molar ratio of aldehyde reacted to trioxane to catalyst)., yFor twelfth run. "Second run./Fifth run. Contained 15 wt% of water. 

Trithiane itself has been found among the volatile sulfurous compounds of Shiitake mushrooms extracted from the homogenate of fresh mushrooms <1986JFA830> and 2,4,6-triethyl-l,3,5-trithiane was identified among the flavor compounds in the steam distillate of onions <1992MI459> analyzed by GC and characterized by GC-MS. Other than that, 1,3,5-trioxane derivatives are not found that often in natural products as their sulfur analogs. Only... 

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