α-Hydroxymethylation of γ- and δ-lactones: a new synthesis of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones
Abstract
The direct high yield α-hydroxymethylation of the trans-bicyclic lactone (I) and δ-valerolactone, and an efficient three-step synthesis of the trans-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (III) are described.