Efficient intramolecular cyclizations of phenoxyethynyl diols into multisubstituted α,β-unsaturated lactones.

AgOTf-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of phenoxyethynyl diols proceeded under mild conditions to afford the multisubstituted α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactones in 55-98% yields. This method was also applicable to the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated-δ-lactones. A similar cyclization proceeded when AgOTf was replaced with a stoichiometric amount of N-bromosuccinimide to furnish the α-bromo-substituted α,β-unsaturated lactones.