Synthesis of 4(5)-Oxocarboxylic Acids from γ(δ)-Lactones Oxidized with N-bromosuccinimide

4(5)-Oxocarboxylic acids were synthesized from γ(δ)-lactones using N-bromosuccinimide(NBS) as an oxidant. The structures were characterized by NMR and MS. The effect of NBS amount on the yield and the effect of reaction temperature on the reaction time were investigated. The appropriate reaction conditions at 40 ℃ for 1.5 h~3.5 h were as follows:5 mmol of γ(δ)-lactone and 6.75 mmol of NBS. The yields were 53%~97% under the reaction conditios.