title: Silylene transfer to alpha-keto esters and application to the synthesis of gamma-lactones.
abstract: Disubstituted alpha-hydroxy acids have been synthesized by metal-catalyzed silylene transfer to alpha-keto esters. A range of substituents are tolerated in the transformation with the exception of branched groups at the vinylic position. The alpha-hydroxy acid products can be converted into gamma-lactones using a variety of lactonization conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025.
authors.forename: Brett E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Woerpel