Catalytic enantioselective bromolactonization of alkenoic acids in the presence of palladium complexes

The catalytic enantioselective bromolactonization of alkenoic acids promoted by chiral palladium complexes has been developed, allowing facile synthesis of the corresponding γ-lactones with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97% ee). The method reported represents a practical entry for the preparation of chiral γ-lactone derivatives.