Selective Mono- and Bis(alkoxycarbonylation)s of Olefins Catalyzed by Palladium in the Presence of Cu(I) or Cu(II) Chloride under Remarkably Mild Conditions. Application to the Synthesis of γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives

Abstract Palladium-catalyzed mono- and bis(alkoxycarbonylation)s of olefins were controlled by the use of copper(II) and copper(1) chloride, respectively, in alcohol under normal pressure of carbon monoxide and oxygen at room temperature without any other additives. 3-Buten-1-ols gave the corresponding γ-butyrolactones and 2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-acetic acid esters, respectively, in high yields.