Cu(I)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of alkynoic acids in aqueous media: a "click side reaction"

Alkynoic acids, in particular, 4-pentynoic acid derivatives, undergo intramolecular cyclizations to enol lactones under reaction conditions typically applied for the Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and azides (click chemistry). Starting from appropriate alkynoic acid derivatives, either enol lactones or 1,2,3-triazole click products can be obtained selectively by Cu(I) catalysis in aqueous media.