InCl3/IBX: a novel reagent system for the conversion of glycals into α,β-unsaturated δ-lactones

The combination of indium trichloride with iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) has been utilized for the first time as a novel reagent system for the one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dideoxy-d-hex-2-enono-1,5-lactones from glycals. The reaction proceeds smoothly in aqueous media and the products are obtained in good yields. This method is suitable for the oxidation of glycals bearing olefin functionality.