Selfcondensation of some γ-keto acids in sulphuric acid

A novel type of selfcondensation of some aliphatic and aromatic γ-keto acids (capable of forming γ-lactols) in concentrated sulphuric acid is described. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed, where the key intermediates are the carbonium ion formed by loss of the OH group in the γ-lactols and the α,β-unsaturated γ-lactone with an exocyclic double bond in γ-position formed by loss of one molecule of water from the γ-lactols. The proposal is supported by deuteration experiments. Structure determinations are based on IR, PMR and MS.