Synthesis of α-Ethylidene β-lactones via lactonization/1,3-H-transposition of α-vinyl-β-hydroxy acids.

Since their discovery, β-lactones have garnered significant interest due to their unique chemistry and bioactivity. Our ongoing synthesis and evaluation of β-lactones for biological activity have revealed that DIC lactonization of α-vinyl and α-ethynyl β-EWG- β-hydroxy acids results in 1,3-H transposition, leading to the formation of α-alkylidene and α-allene lactones, respectively. The straightforward synthesis of these compounds will enable us to explore their utility for further chemical transformations.