Several esters, P-keto esters, malonic ester, amines, and inorganic salts have been acetoethylated in good yields with methyl vinyl ketone. Although?-picoline gives the expected acetoethylated product, 5-(4pyridyl)-2-pentanone, the reaction of a-picoline with methyl vinyl ketone gives the alcohol, 3-(2-picolyl)-3-hydroxy-l-butene. A possible explanation for these anomalous results is presented.
