The reaction of carboxylic acids with epoxides using lithium naphthalenide

Abstract

Lithium naphthalenide reacts with carboxylic acids in the presence of diethylamine to give the α-anions of lithium carboxylates. Reaction of these anions with various epoxides gives the corresponding y-hydroxy acids in good yield. The γ-hydroxy acids easily cyclize to give γ-butyrolactones.