Synthesis of substituted β-lactones by a Reformatsky reaction of carbonyl compounds, phenyl α-bromoalkanoates, and indium

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(95)00039-B

Di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted β-lactones are accessible in a one-step procedure by a Reformatsky reaction of phenyl α-bromoalkanoates with ketones or aldehydes at a sacrificial indium anode. With indium powder comparable results are obtained. The yield of β-lactones is significantly lower, if zinc is used instead of indium.