Several methods of preparation of various substituted 1, 4-oxathian-2-ones are described, includ-ing the acid-catalyzed ring closure of 5-hydroxy acids, prepared via a-halo ketones or a-halo acids, and the base-catalyzed ring closure of Ii-haloethyl thioglycolate. 1, 4-Oxathian- 2-one is completely hydrolyzed in D20 to the hydroxy acid at a rate comparable to the hydrolysis of 6-valerolactone. The rate of the lactonization is estimated to be ca. 100 times ...