Copper-Catalyzed Intermolecular Oxidative [3 + 2] Cycloaddition between Alkenes and Anhydrides: A New Synthetic Approach to γ-Lactones

A new copper-catalyzed oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of alkenes with anhydrides using oxygen as the sole oxidant to afford γ-lactones has been developed. This catalyzed cyclization process has a broad substrate scope and affords γ-lactones in good to excellent yields.