Palladium-catalysed cyclisation of vinylethylene carbonates and anhydrides: a new approach to diverse medium-sized bislactones.

Efficient construction of medium-sized lactones has attracted considerable interest over several decades, but remains a formidable challenge in synthetic chemistry. Here, we describe an unprecedented palladium-catalysed regioselective [5 + n] cyclisation (n = 5, 6, and 7) between vinylethylene carbonates and various anhydrides. Catalytic transformation occurs under mild, room-temperature conditions and offers an exceptional substrate scope. A broad spectrum of medium-sized bislactones with skeletal diversity can be obtained easily.