Novel synthesis methods, to the products of such novel methods, and to uses of these products. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the reactions of furanones, in particular fimbrolides, with amines. The invention has particular application in the synthesis of halogenated 1,5-dihydro-pyrrol-2-one, 5-halomethylene substituted 1,5-dihydropyrrol-2-ones (lactam analogues of fimbriolides), 5-amino substituted furanones and 5-aminomethylene-2(5H)-furanones and their synthetic analogues. The invention also relates to novel compounds and uses thereof.