e-Carbonyl: Electrochemical Synthesis of α-Keto Esters via α-Carbonyl Carbocations
Ewan V Tushkanov1, Hamid Salehzadeh1, Caterina Campinoti2
1University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Herein, we report a general and practical electrochemical method for the synthesis of α-keto esters from malonic acid derivatives via α-carbonyl carbocations. Although these cations are typically unstable, they can be efficiently generated under Hofer-Moest-type conditions when stabilized by an α-acetoxy substituent. This metal- and supporting-electrolyte-free approach grants straightforward access to α-keto esters that are otherwise challenging to obtain using conventional methods.
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