Alpha-lactones

In organic chemistry, αlactone refers to a functional group, the smallest possible lactone. It is a family of unstable, three-membered heterocycles, containing an epoxide ring fused with a carbonyl group.

Methyloxiranone or α-propiolactone is a chemical compound of the lactone family, with a three-membered ring. It is a stable product which can be obtained from the 2-bromopropionate anion. It is an intermediate in the decomposition of 2-chloropropionic acid in the gas phase.