A catalytic, green and practical method for Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation of mucohalic acid has been accomplished. Reaction of mucohalic acids with various electron-rich aromatic compounds in the presence of catalytic (1mol% to 10mol%) In (OTf) 3 or Brönsted acid, such as H2SO4 in acetic acid provides γ-aryl γ-butenolides in moderate to excellent yield.
