Isopropenyl esters under conditions of aluminum chloride catalysis provide a simple method of preparation of p-keto aldehydes and symmetrical p diketones. For example, isopropenyl stearate gives distearoylmethane. Under mild conditions vinyl stearate gives the p-keto aldehyde 3-oxoeicosanal, but on longer heating distearoylmethane results. With aromatic systems, isopropenyl stearate gives typical Friedel-Crafts acylation products in good ...
