Nitriles are one of the most synthetically versatile functional groups in organic synthesis. Their ease of preparation from varied precursors and their subsequent reactions, particularly those of their enolates, allow rapid assembly of structurally and stereochemically complex compounds. 1 Moreover, γ-butyro-and δ-valerolactones are prominent moieties in biologically active compounds. They are components of natural flavors and odors, ...