By varying the solvent, reaction temperature, and bases (ie, gegenions present), optimum conditions for the alkylation of the dianions of glyoxylic acid derivatives 8 and 9 were established. It was found that the easily prepared, thermally stable, tetrahydrofuran-soluble potassium dianion of bis (ethylthio) acetic acid was readily alkylated by alkyl halides, tosylates, epoxides, and N-tosyl aziridines. The latter alkylation is being used to develop a ...
