A convenient route to chiral γ-lactones via asymmetric hydrogenation of γ-ketoesters using the RuCl3-BINAP-HCl catalytic system

A convenient one-step synthesis of chiral γ-lactones has been performed. The method is based on enantioselective hydrogenation of γ-ketoesters using the RuCl3-BINAP-HCl catalytic system. Chiral γ-lactones (91-99% ee) have been isolated in 57-88% yield.