Novel Synthesis of γ-Lactones Starting from β,γ-Unsaturated Carboxylic Esters

Abstract

Abstract A novel synthetic route to highly substituted γ-lactones was achieved by an intermolecular radical addition to 4-(methylthio)-4-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-3-butenoic ester (1) and its 2-(ethoxycarbonyl) derivative (2), which were easily prepared from (methylthio)methyl p-tolyl sulfone. Upon the irradiation of a solution of 1 and benzophenone in an alcohol (R1R2CHOH), the 1-hydroxyalkyl radical (R1R2C–OH) was generated and added regiospecifically to the 3-position of 1 to form an adduct that led to a γ-lactone by spontaneous intramolecular condensation. Similarly, 2 reacted with the alcohol to give α-(ethoxycarbonyl)-γ-lactones. The alcohol, which is a high boiling liquid or solid, can be employed in the form of a solution (10 molar amounts in acetonitrile) without greatly lowering the reaction efficiency.