Flow microreactor synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted oxetanes via 2-phenyloxetan-2-yl lithium

A mild and sustainable synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted oxetanes has been achieved through the use of a fow microreactor system. By controlling the residence time a highly unstable intermediate such as 2-phenyloxetan-2-yl lithium can be generated and trapped with various electrophiles afording in moderate to good yields 2-substituted-2-phenyloxetanes at higher temperatures with respect to macrobatch-mode where -78 °C is required.