The reaction of polyfluoroalkyl iodides with alkenes or 4-pentenoic acid promoted by sodium bisulfite or sodiumsulfite in DMF aqueous solution was realized. The reaction of alkenes gave corresponding adducts, while γ-lactones were obtained in the case of 4-pentenoic acid in good yields.
The polyfluoroalkyl-lactonization of 4-pentenoic acids having a substituent at the 2 or 3 position with the polyfluoroalkyliodides initiated by sodium dithionite was realized in good yields. A new and efficient method for the synthesis of fluorine-containing γ-lactones is described.