Direct oxidative lactonization of alkenoic acids mediated solely by NaIO4: beyond a simple oxidant

Abstract

Triflic acid-catalyzed direct oxidative lactonization of alkenoic acids mediated solely by NaIO₄ without halogen salts is described. Sodium periodate works not only as an oxidant, but also as an active reagent and directly mediates the lactonization. A new cheap, green, and practical oxidative lactonization approach has been developed using NaIO₄ as the sole reagent.