Abstract: Alkylation of the anions derived from (methylsulfinyl) methyl ketones (1) with methyl bromoacetate proceeds readily to afford the 3-(methylsulfinyl)-4-oxobutanoates (2). These intermediates are converted to the corresponding unsaturated keto esters (3) in excellent overall yield (Table I) by thermal elimination of methylsulfenic acid. Alternatively, the y-sub- stituted-Lu, P-butenolides (5) are obtained on sodium borohydride reduction of the ...
