Efficient synthesis of new butenolides by subsequent reactions: application for the synthesis of original iminolactones, bis-iminolactones and bis-lactones

We have developed the synthesis of twenty four new iminolactones, bis-iminolactones and bis-lactones by subsequent esterification–condensation or addition–condensation reactions according to two strategies from α-hydroxyketones. The X-ray diffraction data of a bis-iminolactone is described and present an interesting helical column packing.