Question

Esters can be prepared by the reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols. Propose a route to the preparation of γ-Butyrolactone.

Answer 1

4-hydroxybutanoic acid + H⁺ ⇒ γ-butyrolactone + H₂O

Step-by-step explanation:

The simplest route to prepare γ-butyrolactone is the intramolecular reaction of an alcohol with an acid. The required starting material is 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (γ-hydroxybutyric acid). See attachment for the condensed reaction mechanism. The H⁺ acts as a catalyst.