Chromium-mediated β-lactone synthesis using ultrasonication

Abstract The reaction of chromium aryl(alkoxy)carbenes with propargylic alcohols has been investigated under dry state adsorption and ultrasound conditions. When compared to the corresponding thermal processes, the developed sonication reactions afford good yields of β-lactone products over generally shorter reaction times. Dry state adsorption affords diene products which are also obtained from the corresponding β-lactones. Reactions of Cr-aryl(alkoxy)carbenes and propargylic alcohols proceed rapidly under sonication conditions to afford good yields of functionalised β-lactones. Download full-size image