Calcium(II)- and Triflimide-Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroacyloxylation of Unactivated Alkenes in Hexafluoroisopropanol

We report an efficient intramolecular hydroacyloxylation of unactivated alkenes, offering a streamlined access to relevant γ-lactones, which features the utilization of either a calcium­(II) salt or triflimide as a catalyst in hexafluoroisopropanol. This method could be applied to the synthesis of natural products and the late-stage functionalization of natural and bioactive molecules. Additionally, DFT computations were used to elucidate the twist of reactivity observed between the hydroamidation and hydroacyloxylation of unactivated alkenes regarding the formation of 5- and 6-membered rings.