Abstract
Oxo propionic acid such 2-oxo-3-phenyl propionic acid and their hydroxyl derivatives are useful building blocks for asymmetric synthesis and the preparation of biologically active butyrolactones. A new synthesis of three different types of hydroxyl butyrolactones (4, 5, 6) has been performed. A number of butyrolactones such as methyl 2-benzyl-2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxofuran-2-carboxylate, methyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-3-phenylfuran-2-carboxylate, methyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-4-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxofuran-2-carboxylate has been synthesized.