Abstract

γ-Hydroxybutenolides are readily available reagents that are useful starting materials for the synthesis of simple and complex compounds. This review will discuss the role tautomerism plays in the reactivity profile of γ-hydroxybutenolides, the major modes of reactivity of γ-hydroxybutenolides, and the application of this methodology for the synthesis of biologically important molecules.

Keywords: Diels-Alder reaction, Grignard reaction, γ-hydroxybutenolides, oxidation, reduction, synthesis, tautomerism.

Graphical Abstract