Triacetic acid lactone as a bioprivileged molecule in organic synthesis

Major methods for the preparation of triacetic acid lactone and its application as a bioprivileged compound in the synthesis of various valuable materials are summarized. Due to its structural features, this lactone belongs to both pyrones and polyketides, which provides opportunities for its obtaining by chemical and biological methods. The presence of several electrophilic and nucleophilic centers in its molecule, as well as its capability of undergoing transformations with both preservation and opening of the ring, ensure its multiple reactivity. Reactions proceeding without the ring opening lead to substituted and fused pyrans, while the ring opening provides N-heterocycles and acyclic derivatives.