Silver carboxylate promoted lactonization: a general method applicable to prepare medium and large-sized lactones without high dilution or slow addition

Efficient and applicable approach to macrolactonizations, with ready availability of starting materials and simple operation, remains a challenging task for the organic community. We developed a ‘freshman-can-do’ protocol to medium- and large-sized lactones, not depending on high-dilution or slow addition techniques. Application of this method for the synthesis of natural lactones or potentially pharmaceutical compounds might be useful for organic chemists and pharmacists.