Conformational analysis of spiro-bis-dithiepins: a peculiar case of axial chirality.

Spiro-bis-dithiepins are synthesized via dehydrative ring expansion in alpha-hydroxyalkyl spiro-bis-dithianes. Atypical of spiranes possessing axial chirality, the two most stable conformers of substituted spiro-bis-dithiepin have virtually colinear double bonds; i.e.