THE STEREOSELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF 2,3-CIS-DIHYDROXY-γ-BUTYROLACTONES BY THE OXIDATION OF γ-BUTENOLIDES WITH KMnO4-CROWN ETHER

Abstract
Oxidation of γ-butenolides was effected by KMnO4-crown ether to afford the corresponding 2,3-cis-dihydroxy-γ-butyrolactones in high yields. High stereoselectivity was observed in cases when bulky substituents were introduced at the γ-position of the butenolides.