Synthesis of Functionalized γ-Spirolactone and 2-Oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane Derivatives from Nucleophilic Oxirane Ring Opening

Methyl 1-(2-oxiranylmethyl)-2-oxo-1-cyclopentanecarboxylate (4) was subjected to the nucleophilic ring opening reaction, leading to the formation of the functionalized 2-oxaspiro[4.4]nonane and 2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane derivatives, which are important structural sub-unit present in several classes of bioactive compounds. The products obtained were characterized on the basis of spectral data, including 1D and 2D NMR.