α-Trifluoroacetyl-δ-valerolactone: synthesis, acyl-lactone rearrangement and unexpected easy decarboxylation of the rearranged product

Claisen condensation of δ-valerolactone and ethyl trifluoroacetate leads to α-trifluoroacetyl-δ-valerolactone, existing completely in CDCl₃ solution as an enol. Upon treatment of this cyclic 1,3-ketoester with aqueous HCl, an acyl-lactone rearrangement takes place. The structure of the resulting pyran was confirmed by an X-ray analysis. The ability of the rearrangement product to lose its carboxylic group under unexpected mild conditions was used for the synthesis of the corresponding 3-unsubstituted cyclic hemi-ketal.