Chapter 19.15, Problem 10P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structure of the hydroxyl acid corresponding to the given lactones are to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Retrosynthesis is used to identify the reactants. It involves the breaking of the target molecule into starting materials.

Carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of acid as a catalyst to form esters as the product. This reaction is known as Fischer esterification. The intramolecular esterification of $\text{γ}$, and $\text{δ}$-hydroxy carboxylic acids lead to the formation of five- and six-membered lactones respectively.