Synthesis of α,α-difluoro-γ-butyrolactones via ethyl iododifluoroacetate

A novel synthesis of α,α-difluoro-γ-butyrolactones was realized by the alkaline hydrolysis of the adducts of ethyl iododifluoroacetate and alkenes. Ethyl iododifluoroacetate reacted with alkenes in the presence of sodium dithionite to give the addition products in 62–78% yields. The products were hydrolyzed in 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution to give α,α-difluoro-γ-butyrolactones in 93–98% yields.