trans-Cyclooctenes as Halolactonization Catalysts.

The strained olefins in trans-cyclooctenes serve as efficient catalysts for halolactonizations, including bromolactonizations and iodolactonizations. The trans-cyclooctene framework is essential for excellent catalytic performance, and the substituents also play important roles in determining efficiency. These results are the first demonstration of catalysis by a trans-cyclooctene.