An unusual reaction of myo-inositol with sulphur tetrafluoride

Abstract Myo -inositol was treated with a mixture of sulphur tetrafluoride and anhydrous hydrofluoric acid to yield a novel compound, the cyclic sulphite ester of 2β,3β-difluoro-7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane- 5α,6α-diol. The structural assignment and possible mechanism is described.