Synthesis of thionolactones from homoallylic xanthates

Abstract

The intramolecular radical cyclisation of cyclic homoallylic xanthates were explored. In five- or six-membered ring systems, the homoallylic xanthates were easily cyclised to give fused thionolactone derivatives. The thionolactones were converted into their corresponding lactones in high yield, which constitutes a transformation of homoallylic alcohols into lactones.