Which Substance is more reactive: Oxetane or Ethylene Oxide?

Question

Between Oxetane and Ethylene Oxede, which Substance is more reactive? And why exactly so? Would it be correct to assume that rings that have 3 members are marked with more strain that those that have 4 members?

Answer 1

You're right.

The 3-membered ring of ethylene oxide is

more strained than the 4-membered ring of oxetane.

Reactions of these molecules involve ring-opening, relieving ring strain.

So ethylene oxide, the molecule with more ring strain, is more reactive.