(I) by the action of an excess of methoxalyl chloride on p-anilino-P-phenylpropionic acid in the presence of pyridine. It was found, however, that the reaction which occurred was not simple acylation of the nitrogen atom, but a more complex process leading to the formation of an acid of the formula C18H1604N, which corresponds to a dehydration product of the expected derivative. The unknown compound could be obtained in yields of 25-30% and ...