1,3,2-Dioxathiolane 2,2-Dioxide is an alkylating agent with carcinogenic activty.
1,3,2-Dioxathiolane 2,2-dioxide may be employed in the preparation of imidazolidinium salts.
Cyclic sulfates of 1,2-diols (1,3,2-dioxathiolane 2,2-dioxides) are most easily prepared in a two-step procedure (eq 1). The reaction of a 1,2-diol with Thionyl Chloride leads to a cyclic sulfite, which is then oxidized to the corresponding cyclic sulfate (1). Direct conversion of a 1,2-diol to a cyclic sulfate using Sulfuryl Chloride is generally less efficient.
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for 1,3,2-dioxathiolane,2,2-dioxide (CAS #1072-53-3) is 0.1 μg/m3 annual averaging time.
The structural similarity between cyclic sulfates and Dimethyl Sulfate must be recognized. Dimethyl sulfate, and to a lesser extent, ethylene sulfate, are carcinogenic and potent alkylating agents that are toxic by inhalation and ingestion. Cyclic sulfates must, as a result, be treated with extreme care.
