Large-ring lactones from plant oilsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental procedures, characterisation of products. See DOI: 10.1039/c3gc40905h

Large-ring lactones and lactams were prepared utilising the full fatty acid chain of common plant oils as a source of the macrocycle. Ring closure via acyloin condensation does not require large volumes of solvents for dilution. Nonadecalactone (NDL) and tricosalactone (TCL) can be converted to novel polyesters by ring opening. A synthesis route for macrocyclic compounds such as lactones starting from common plant oils has been developed.