Process for producing optically active γ-butyrolactone

Abstract

This invention provides a novel process for producing optically active 3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone in a short step, which is superior economically and in efficiency and industrially suitable by using a starting material which is inexpensive and easily available and reagents easy to handle. This invention relates to a process for producing optically active 3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone represented by formula I: wherein the symbol * means an asymmetric carbon atom, which comprises hydrogenating an optically active 4-substituted oxy-3-hydroxybutyrate represented by formula II: wherein R1 represents a C1-4 lower alkyl group, R2 represents a protective group for a hydroxyl group deprotected by hydrogenation with a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, and the symbol * has the same meaning as defined above, in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst and an acidic substance followed by deprotection and simultaneous ring closure thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.