Zeolite-catalyzed macrolactonization of ω-hydroxyalkanoic acids in a highly concentrated solution

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)10545-7

Lactonization of 15-hydroxypentadecanoic acid to 15-pentadecanolide on dealuminated HY zeolite was successfully performed in a concentrated toluene solution (0.2 M). Addition of a bulky organic base to the reaction system suppressed the lactonization. It was concluded that the lactonization was promoted at specific acid sites on the external surface of the zeolite.