Highly stereoselective synthesis of β,γ-disubstituted and α,β,γ-trisubstituted butyrolactones

β,γ-Disubstituted butyrolactones were produced effectively and steroeselectively from arsonium ylides generated in situ and substituted olefins. The transformation could be realized in one-pot or in two steps, which depended on the electronic properties of the olefins. With the adjustment of the solvent and in the presence of EtOH, α,β,γ-trisubstituted butyrolactones were also obtained in high yield from arsonium ylides and substituted olefins.