Lactone

Definition

A lactone is a cyclic ester formed by the intramolecular condensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, resulting in the elimination of water. These compounds are characterized by a ring structure that includes an ester linkage.

Related terms

Carboxylic Acid:

Organic compounds containing a carboxyl group (-COOH), which can react with alcohols to form esters or undergo intramolecular reactions to form lactones.

Esterification:

A chemical reaction between an alcohol and an acid, usually catalyzed by an acid catalyst, resulting in the formation of an ester and water.

Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution:

A key reaction mechanism where a nucleophile attacks an acyl compound, leading to the substitution of the leaving group attached to the acyl carbon with the nucleophile