Stereoselective synthesis of β-lactones containing α-Z-alkoxycarbonylmethylene chains by palladium-catalysed oxidative carbonylation of tertiary α-hydroxyalkynes

Abstract

Tertiary α-hydroxyalkynes undergo oxidative carbonylation in alcohols in the presence of catalytic amounts of Pdl₂–Kl to give β-lactones derived from alkoxycarbonylation at the terminal cabon of the alkyne and cis-carbonylation at the internal carbon, followed by carbonyl trapping by the tertiary hydroxy group.