Abstract Activation of the carboxylic acid group of a maleamic acid by treatment with an arenesulfonyl chloride followed by addition of an alcohol affords a fumaramate or a maleamate, depending on the reaction conditions. The E isomer is obtained when the acid is treated with nearly equimolar amounts of 2, 4, 6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride and an alcohol in pyridine. Replacement of pyridine by 2-picoline and use of a larger excess of ...
