Expeditious access to -β-aryl, γ-alkyl disubstituted (±)-γ-butyrolactones nickel-hydride catalysis.

The 1,4-reduction of β- and γ-substituted butenolides using 5 mol% of NiCl·6HO and NaBH in MeOH for rapid access to -β,γ-disubstituted γ-butyrolactones is described. The reaction was selective for -products, which were obtained in good to excellent yields. This study showcased the influence of steric hindrance and angle strain on the diastereoselectivity outcome of conjugate reductions facilitated by generated nickel-hydride.