Simple methods for the syntheses of (E)-4- and (E)-5-alkenoic acids by the SN2′ type reactions of γ-vinyl-γ-butyrolactone and δ-vinyl-δ-valerolactone with organocopper reagents

γ-Vinyl-γ-butyrolactone and δ-vinylδ-valerolactone react regio- and stereoselectivity with Grignard reagents in the presence of a copper(I) catalyst or with diorganocuprates to afford (E)-4- and (E)-5-alkenoic acids, respectively, in high yields. Synthetic utility of the former reaction is demonstrated in the simple synthesis of (4E,7Z)-4,7-tridecadienyl acetate.