Since new methods for synthesis of monsubstituted@-keto esters are of interest, we undertook a study of the formation and pyrolysis of 1-ethoxy-1-alkenyl esters of pyruvic and benzoylformic acids. The desired l-ethoxy-l-alkenyl esters (7-1 l) were prepared in almost quantitative yield by the addition of the a-keto acids to 1-ethoxy-1-propyne, 1-ethoxy-1- butyne, and 1-ethoxy-1-hexyne (eq 1). Since these l-ethoxy-1-alkenyl esters were ...
