A convenient lactonization of diols to γ- and δ-lactones catalyzed by transition metals polyhydrides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(92)83257-I

Transition metal polyhydrides-catalyzed oxidative condensation of diols to 5 and 6-ring lactones was studied.The regioselective dehydrogenation of unsymmetrically substituted 1,4-diols gave β- or γ-substituted γ-lactones in high yields.The mechanism of dehydrogenation under neutral and mild conditions was discussed.