An Efficient Catalytic Sulfonyloxylactonization of Alkenoic Acids Using Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent

A novel and efficient catalytic method for sulfonyloxylactonization of alkenoic acids is reported. (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene could be used as a recyclable catalyst in combination with m-chloroperbenzoic acid as an oxidant in the presence of sulfonic acid to effect the cyclization of various alkenoic acids in CH 2 Cl 2 at room temperature, giving sulfonyloxylactones in good yields.