The present invention provides novel processes for the preparation of a cyclopentanone of Formula II and a lactone of Formula I, which are useful in the production of prostaglandins: ##STR00001## wherein Z, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, X.sub.1, X.sub.2, and are as defined in the specification.The invention also provides novel enantiomerically enriched compounds.
This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/334,337 filed on Jan. 18, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,511,168 claims the benefit thereof and incorporates the same by reference.
