Synthesis of optically active γ-lactones and dopants for ferroelectric liquid crystals possessing a trifluoromethyl group

A series of trans- and cis-γ-lactones with high optical purity have been prepared from the lactonization of (S)-(−)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-4-pentenoic acid (>94% ee) under acidic conditions. These materials have been transformed into new types of dopant for ferroelectric liquid crystals possessing a trifluoromethyl group.