Ruthenium-Catalyzed Alkylative Lactonization and Carbocyclization

Abstract

[reaction: see text] The cationic ruthenium complex [CpRu(NCCH3)3]PF6 promotes the coupling of monosubstituted allene carboxylic acids and simple alpha,beta-unsaturated olefins to form five- and six-membered lactones. The mild reaction conditions allow for the presence of various functional groups.