Abstract The lithium enediolate of acetic acid can be generated efficiently, as a 0.5 M solution in THF, using lithium amides prepared from n-butyllithium in THF and either diethylamine or 1, 3, 3-trimethyl-6-azabicyclo-(3.2. 1)-octane (AZA). Its reaction with carbonyl compounds leads to the corresponding β-hydroxy acids in good to moderate yields. Better yields are usually obtained when these amines are added in sub-stoichiometric amounts.( ...
