Identify the major product of the following reaction sequence.

Step-by-step solution

The reaction sequence proceeds as follows: First, the primary alcohol ( - CH ₂ OH ) reacts with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride ( TsCl ) to form a tosylate ( - CH ₂ OTs ), converting the hydroxyl group into a good leaving group. The lactone ring remains intact during this step. Next, the addition of potassium carbonate ( K ₂ CO ₃ ) in methanol ( MeOH ) generates methoxide ions ( CH ₃ O ^- ). The methoxide ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of the lactone, causing the ring to open. This process yields an acyclic intermediat