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In this question there is no inversion in A to B, but there is one in C to D. I feel like this must be due to the lone pairs on the $\ce{S}$ (in A) being able to open the ring, whereas this isn't possible in C to D so this can only occur via an $\mathrm{S_N2}$ reaction, but I just can't seem to make the mechanisms work for either.

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    $\begingroup$ Remember S is a significantly larger atom than O, and episulfonium ions are well known $\endgroup$
    – Waylander
    May 20, 2019 at 12:25
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    $\begingroup$ Instead of opening (i.e. breaking) rings, think about forming rings, maybe $\endgroup$
    – orthocresol
    May 20, 2019 at 12:30
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    $\begingroup$ So is the sulphur lone pair able to attack via SN2 to form an episulfonium ring, which is then attacked by SN2 with the CN ions, meaning there is no inversion? $\endgroup$
    – J. Deans
    May 20, 2019 at 16:45
  • $\begingroup$ That is exactly so $\endgroup$
    – Waylander
    May 20, 2019 at 17:48

1 Answer 1

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Because of the absence of a lone pair, C undergoes usual $\mathrm{S_N2}$ transformation under the conditions. However, the availability of a lone pair in A undergoes the nucleophilic substitution of cyanide ion via neighboring-group participation (see above comments by Waylander and J. Deans) by the sulfur atom under the conditions (Ref.1). A very reliable mechanism is given in Ref.1 for the substitution of azide ion (work the same way for cyanide ion):

Neighboring-group participation

Reference:

  1. D. D. Díaz, A. Converso, K. B. Sharpless, M. G. Finn, “2,6-Dichloro-9-thiabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane: Multigram Display of Azide and Cyanide Components on a Versatile Scaffold,” Molecules 2006, 11(4), 212–218 (doi: 10.3390/11040212).
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  • $\begingroup$ Could you check out the duplicate of the question, and maybe post another (essentially the same) answer there? $\endgroup$
    – Martin - マーチン ♦
    May 20, 2019 at 18:01
  • $\begingroup$ @Martin - マーチン: I can do that but is it ethical? $\endgroup$
    – Mathew Mahindaratne
    May 20, 2019 at 18:17
  • $\begingroup$ I think it's fine. You can add a disclaimer that you have posted the answer on another question before. Or if you feel more comfortable, you can post your answer there and then flag this one for deletion (you can't delete yourself as it is accepted). I think it would be beneficial to have the duplicate link point to a question that is actually answered. We could also have a meta discussion about it, of you want to make absolutely sure. $\endgroup$
    – Martin - マーチン ♦
    May 20, 2019 at 18:38
  • $\begingroup$ @Martin - マーチン: Thank you Martin for your lengthy explanation. Let me think about it. Previous question is asking to show the stereochemistry to prove the out come of the products. I think this may do that. :-) $\endgroup$
    – Mathew Mahindaratne
    May 20, 2019 at 19:22
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you very much for your answer. Very sorry I was unaware the question had been posted before $\endgroup$
    – J. Deans
    May 20, 2019 at 21:55

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