Download full text in PDF Opens in a new window. Article suggestions will be shown in a dialog on return to ScienceDirect. ... Please enable JavaScript to use all the features on this page. ... Treatment of methyl 3-phenylsulphonyl orthopropionate with n-BuLi gives the corresponding carbanion which reacts with aldehydes or ketones to yield β-phenylsulphonyl γ-lactones. Base-catalysed elimination of sulphinic acid yields α,β or β,γ-butenolides.