A new one-step formation of substituted alpha-cyano-gamma-lactones via addition of alpha-hydroxyalkyl radicals to methyl acrylates is presented. The reaction is induced by photo electron transfer (PET) catalysis and proceeds, in comparison to commonly applied methods, under mild, non-oxidizing conditions in a neutral medium. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
LINDERMAN, RUSSELL J.;GHANNAM, AMEEN, J. AMER. CHEM. SOC., 112,(1990) N, C. 2392-2398