Lactones

Definition

Lactones are cyclic organic compounds formed by the intramolecular esterification of hydroxycarboxylic acids. They are a specific type of ester found within the broader context of carboxylic acid derivatives and nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions.

Related terms

Carboxylic Acid: Organic compounds characterized by a carboxyl group (COOH), which plays a crucial role in synthesizing lactones.

Esterification: A chemical reaction in which an alcohol and a carboxylic acid react, producing an ester and water, pivotal for the formation of both linear and cyclic esters like lactones.

Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution: A fundamental reaction mechanism where a nucleophile displaces another group in an acyl compound, essential for understanding how lactones can form from hydroxycarboxylic acids