Development of Nitrolactonization Mediated by Iron(III) Nitrate Nonahydrate

The nitrolactonization of alkenyl carboxylic acids mediated by Fe(NO3)(3) center dot 9H(2)O has been developed. Nitrolactones were obtained in up to 93% yield by treatment of alkenyl carboxylic acids with Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O. Mechanistic studies disclosed that the reaction proceeded through a radical intermediate generated from addition of NO2 to alkenyl carboxylic acids.