Synthesis of γ-lactones from easily and accessible reactants catalyzed by Cu–MnOx catalysts

The mechanism of the oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition of alkenes with anhydrides using oxygen as an oxidant to synthesize γ-lactones has been studied using a heterogeneous dual copper-manganese–based catalyst. The cyclization takes place through two coexisting reaction mechanisms, the involvement of different reaction intermediates and a clear synergistic effect between copper and manganese. In fact it appears that CuO clusters dispersed on the surface of a manganese-based oxide increase the redox capability of manganese ions and leads to an increase in the release of oxygen from the surface.