3-Membered Rings
Heterocycles with three atoms in the ring are more reactive because of ring strain. Those containing one heteroatom are, in general, stable. Those with two heteroatoms are more likely to occur as reactive intermediates.
Common 3-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom are:
| Heteroatom | Saturated | Unsaturated |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Aziridine | Azirine |
| Oxygen | Oxirane (ethylene oxide, epoxides) | Oxirene |
| Sulfur | Thiirane (episulfides) | Thiirene |
Those with two heteroatoms include:
| Heteroatom | Saturated | Unsaturated |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Diazirine | |
| Nitrogen/oxygen | Oxaziridine | |
| Oxygen | Dioxirane |
Read more about this topic: Heterocyclic Compound
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