Butyrolactone-preparation process

Abstract

A process for the preparation of butyrolactones of the formula I ##STR1## where the substituents R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, or aryl and trialkylsilyl groups, if appropriate carrying inert: substituents, is described in which an alkyne of the formula II R.sup.1 --C.tbd.C--R.sup.2 II where the substituents have the meanings indicated above, is reacted under reducing conditions at elevated pressure and elevated temperature with carbon monoxide CO and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal catalyst or with carbon monoxide and water in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.