The Journal of Organic Chemistry

A new synthesis of. alpha.-keto esters and acids

JS Nimitz, HS Mosher

Index: Nimitz, Jonathan S.; Mosher, Harry S. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1981 , vol. 46, # 1 p. 211 - 213

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Citation Number: 71

Abstract

90% yield according to the procedure of Staab3" by ad-dition of ethyl oxalyl chloride to 2 molar equiv of imidazole in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Similarly, tert-butyl a-oxo-1H-imidazole-1- acetate, 2 was prepared in 92% yield by addition of tert-butyl oxalyl chloride (generated in situ) to imidazole. The desired product 2 was accompanied by approximately 6% di-tert-butyl oxalate: The results from the reaction of Grignard reagents with 1 and 2 are shown in ...