A new synthesis of (S)-β-methyl-γ-butyrolactone and (S)-4-benzyloxy-3-methylbutanoic acid

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1991-26584

A stereoselective synthesis of (S)-β-methyl-γ-butyrolactone [(S)-4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-2(3H)-furanone, 1] and of (S)-4-benzyloxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (2) is described. Both compounds are prepared starting from inexpensive L-ethyl lactate with overall yields of 26% and 30%, respectively. The products are valuable chiral building blocks.