Divergent Access to (1,1) and (1,2)-Azidolactones from Alkenes using Hypervalent Iodine Reagents.

A versatile synthesis of azidolactones through azidation and cyclization of carboxylic acids onto alkenes has been developed. Based on either photoredox or palladium catalysis, (1,1) and (1,2) azido lactones can be selectively synthesized. The choice of catalyst and benziodoxol(on)e reagent serving as azide source was essential to initiate either a radical or Lewis acid mediated process with divergent outcome. These transformations were carried out under mild conditions using a low catalyst loading and gave access to a large scope of azido lactones.