... (amide synthesis): Bn 2 ... Isolated overall yields of 4j–m. ... Substrate 8 was synthesized similarly to ketones 4 via Knoevenagel condensation of β-keto ester 3a with 4,6-dimethoxysalicylaldehyde, followed by lactonization with concomitant loss of ethanol.20 In the cases of 4h–i no ...