Lactonisation
Lactonisation is the intramolecular formation of a lactone. A lactone is a cyclic ester. This reaction typically occurs when a molecule contains both a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group positioned such that they can react with each other to form a ring. The process involves the nucleophilic attack of the hydroxyl oxygen on the carbonyl carbon of the carboxylic acid, leading to the elimination of water and the creation of a cyclic ester.
The size of the lactone ring formed is a critical factor in the feasibility and rate of
Lactonisation can be catalyzed by acids or bases. Acid catalysis typically involves the protonation of the