Simple and high yield synthesis of macrocylic lactones by ring-closure of caesium salts of ω-halogenoaliphatic acids

Abstract

A series of cyclic ketones has been subjected to Baeyer–Villiger oxidation, the derived lactone rings have been opened with hydroiodic acid, and the resulting ω-iodo-acids have been converted into their caesium salts, which re-close smoothly providing especially good yields of the larger ring macrocyclic lactones (macrolides).