Mn(OAc)3-mediated phosphonation-lactonization of alkenoic acids: synthesis of phosphono-γ-butyrolactones

A new, general method for the synthesis of phosphono-gamma-butyrolactones has been achieved through Mn(OAc)(3)-mediated radical oxidative phosphonation and lactonization of alkenoic acids with H-phosphonates and H-phosphine oxide. Mn(OAc)(3) can be readily prepared from Mn(OAc)(2) in the laboratory. This transformation allows the direct formation of a P-C bond and the construction of a lactone ring in one reaction.