α-Cyano-γ-lactones by photoinduced electron transfer-catalyzed oxidation of α-hydroxyalkylsilanes in the presence of α-cyano acrylates

A new one-step formation of substituted α-cyano-γ-lactones via addition of α-hydroxyalkyl radicals to methyl acrylates is presented. The reaction is induced by photo electron transfer (PET) catalysis and proceeds, in comparison to commonly applied methods, under mild, non-oxidizing conditions in a neutral medium.