Abstract

This review summarizes the field of metal-catalyzed ring-expanding carbonylation of epoxides. Specifically, epoxide carbonylation to β-, γ-, and δ-lactones is reviewed, in addition to epoxide carbonylation to succinic anhydrides, 1,3-oxazinane-2,4-diones and 1,3-oxathiolan-2-ones. For each reaction, the mechanism of catalysis and control of stereochemistry are discussed and the scope and limitations of the catalysts are considered. Experimental conditions and procedures are also presented. In addition, non-carbonylative routes preparing similar products are compared.