Cycloisomerization of acetylenic acids to γ-alkylidene lactones using a palladium(II) catalyst supported on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam.

Cycloisomerization of various γ-acetylenic acids to their corresponding γ-alkylidene lactones by the use of a heterogeneous Pd(II) catalyst supported on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam is described. Substrates containing terminal as well as internal alkynes were cyclized in high to excellent yields within 2–24 h under mild reaction conditions. The protocol exhibited high regio- and stereoselectivity, favoring the exo-dig product with high Z selectivity. Moreover, the catalyst displayed excellent stability under the employed reaction conditions, as demonstrated by its good recyclability and low leaching.