1,3-Dioxetane

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1,3-Dioxetane is a small ring-shaped organic molecule made of four atoms: two carbons and two oxygens alternating around the ring. Its formula is C2H4O2 and its molar mass is about 60.05 g/mol. It can be viewed as two formaldehyde units joined into a four-member ring (a dimer of formaldehyde). Derivatives of 1,3-dioxetane are rare in the literature, and it is usually prepared by [2+2] cycloaddition of two carbonyl compounds. Theoretical studies suggest 1,3-dioxetane should be more stable than the related 1,2-dioxetane isomers.