[1][2] Thietane, and its derivative 2-propylthietane, are strong-smelling mouse alarm pheromones and predator scent analogues.
[3][4] Both the mouse and human olfactory receptors MOR244-3 and OR2T11, respectively, were found to respond to thietane in the presence of copper.
[5] Thietane can be produced from the reaction of trimethylene carbonate and potassium thiocyanate, but the yield is low.
[6] An improved synthesis method is the reaction of 1,3-dibromopropane and sodium sulfide.
[7] Nucleophiles like butyllithium can open the ring in thietane.