Lipase catalyzed formation of lactones via irreversible intramolecular acyltransfer

The lipase catalyzed formation of lactones is greatly facilitated, if the conditions of irreversible acyltransfer are employed. While only insignificant amounts of lactones are obtained from hydroxy carboxylic acids (±)- 1a–f or their methyl esters (±)- 2a–f , considerable yields can be obtained, if the corresponding vinyl esters (±)- 3a–f are used as substrates. Due to the enantioselectivities, displayed by the lipase from Pseudomonas sp ., optically active products are formed.