Lewis and Brönsted acid catalyzed Friedel-Crafts hydroxyalkylation of mucohalic acids: a facile synthesis of functionalized γ-aryl γ-butenolides

A catalytic, green and practical method for Friedel-Crafts hydroxyalkylation of mucohalic acid has been accomplished. Reaction of mucohalic acids with various electron-rich aromatic compounds in the presence of catalytic (1 mol % to 10 mol %) In(OTf)3 or Brönsted acid, such as H2SO4 in acetic acid provides γ-aryl γ-butenolides in moderate to excellent yield.