Metal-Catalyst-Controlled Divergent Synthesis of γ-Butyrolactones via Intramolecular Coupling of Epoxides with Alcohols.

A metal-controlled divergent protocol for the synthesis of α- and ß-substituted γ-butyrolactones was developed through intramolecular coupling of epoxides with alcohols. This method provides an efficient and practicable way to afford γ-butyrolactones with good efficiency, excellent regioselectivity, and broad substrate scope.