ABSTRACT
A simple and short synthesis has been revealed for the preparation of (±) β-(Methoxy-(substitutedphenyl)-methyl)-γ-butyrolactones. The reaction of cinnamyl acetate with Mn(OAc)3 · 2H2O in boiling acetic acid containing acetic anhydride gave the products 2 and 3, which further cyclized in 3% H2SO4/CH3OH to afford the butyrolactones (8a–e), which are intermediates of lignin, in good to moderate yields.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Acknowledgment
We are thankful to the director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, for providing the necessary facilities to carry out this research work.