Synthesis Of γ-Lactone

γ -alkyl- γ -lactones are important fine chemicals and intermediates, which can be used for perfumes, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, etc. Some lactones of a high purity were selectively prepared by allowing the reaction of methyl acrylate with some primary or secondary alcohols of more than 6 carbon atoms in the presence of di-tert-butyl peroxide at various temperatures. The amount of alcohol in reaction is preferably 4-6 moles per mole of methyl acrylate, and di-tert-butyl peroxide 1% of all the substrates. It found that liner primary alcohols could reach 93.1% conversion as compared as cross-chain alcohol, and secondary alcohol could be improved 100% in a 80% yield. Some promoter appeared to be efficacy in these reactions. Five γ -lactones were successfully synthesized by a free radical mechanism. Some rational technological parameters, some related reaction factors conditions were discussed.Malonic acid and heptaldehyde could form nonenoic acid by a Knoevenagel condensation followed by decarboxylation. The compound could be further conducted as a gamma-nonalactone with 80% H₂SO₄ in a 56% isolated yield. Some reaction conditions were discussed and product was accomplished by IR, GC-MS analyses.