Iron(III) perchlorate nonahydrate (FEP) in acetonitrile induces the inter- and intramolecular addition of dialkyl malonates to conjugated olefins (styrenes and dienes) to furnish 3,5,5-trisubstituted 2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylic esters 3 in high yield (10 examples). Similar reactions with other olefins give 2-oxotetrahydrofurans (γ-lactones) with lower selectivity
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Citterio et al. (1990) studied this question.