[AdityaDev]

I know that mCPBA is used for epoxidation of alkenes.
But in my textbook this reaction is given :
2-methyl cyclohex-1-one + mCPBA  β-methyl-δ-valerolactone
(a cyclic ester with carbonyl adjacent to oxygen and a methyl at the next carbon)
My observation: There is one carbon less than reactant. I think the ring contracts first... Something like favorsky rearrangement.

[discodermolide]

Think Bayer-Villiger!

[AdityaDev]

Think Bayer-Villiger!

Bayer villager reagents are RCO3H or H2SO5
Why is there a loss of carbon?
In Bayer villiger there is no change in number of carbon atoms.An oxygen adds between carbonyl carbon and normal carbon.
How do you know where the oxygen is inserted? (it can be on either side of carbonyl carbon)?
Also what is the reaction mechanism?

[discodermolide]

mCPBA is a peracid, RCO₃H.
For mechanism see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baeyer–Villiger_oxidation

Perhaps a printing error in the book?

[AdityaDev]

Thank you  ... It could be a printing mistake.
You can close this thread.