A Novel Synthesis of 3-Substituted Pyruvic Acids a New Route to α, β -Diamino Acids

Abstract

A survey of the literature revealed that treatment of azlactones with mineral acids transformed them into N-benzoylaminoacrylic acids ^1-2 and the action of organic acids remained ineffective on the oxazolone ring. The purpose of this research was to explore the behaviour of formic acid towards azlactones. The Chemistry involved in the synthesis of 3 substituted pyruvic acids by the reaction of formic acid with azlactones is an interesting feature. This reaction holds significance in the preparation of new compounds like α, β -diamino acids which may possess biological activities, as their analogs are found in hydrolysates of antibiotic substances³