Pd-C assisted synthesis of cis-2,4-disubstituted γ-butyrolactones and their properties for ferroelectric liquid crystals

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1997-3233

Cis isomers of optically active 2,4-disubstituted γ-butyrolactone, 1-4, as chiral dopants for ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) are synthesized in a stereoselective manner via a Pd-C catalyzed hydrogenation of the endo CC double bond isomers of (4R)-2,4-disubstituted γ-butyrolactone, 23, 19, 20, and 21, respectively. The synthesis involved a novel exo to endo isomerization of the CC double bond effected by Pd-C in the absence of hydrogen.