Show how HOCH2CH2CH2CH2CO2Et forms a lactone and explain why HOCH2CH2CO2Et does not.
forms 6 member lactone which is stable whereas will form 4 member lactone which is unstable, hence not formed.
Note: 4 member cyclic compounds are unstable due to presence of ring strain. 6 member cyclic compounds are stable.
Mechanism for the formation of 6 member lactone:
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