Cobalt-catalyzed annulation of styrenes with α-bromoacetic acids

We report a method for addition of α-bromophenylacetic acids to vinyl CC bonds in styrenes to afford γ-lactones. Reactions employed a simple cobalt catalyst Co(NO3)2·6H2O in the presence of dipivaloylmethane (dpm) ligand. Many functionalities including halogen, ester, and nitro groups were compatible with reaction conditions. If α-bromoesters were used, vinylacetates were the major products.