Tetronic Acids and Derivatives Part VIII (1) o-Alkylation of 3-Unsubstituted Tetronic Acids

Abstract

4-methoxy-(5H)-furan-2-ones 1 are useful starting materials for the synthesis of naturally occuring lactones². In a previous communication we have described an efficient entry to 4-alkoxy-(5H)-furan-2-ones 1–3 (alkyl tetronates) by lactonization of ethyl 4-acetoxy 3-ketoesters 4 using hydrochloric acid in several alcohols¹. The detection of 4-hydroxy-(5H)-furan-2-ones 5 (tetronic acids) during the reaction course³ allowed us to postulate them as intermediates which were subsequently etherified to the products 1–3. In a very recent communication⁴, it was claimed that attempted alkylation of tetronic acids 5 using HC1 in an alcohol or alkyl halides on tetronic acids sodium salts are unsuccessful; moreover, the structure of our compounds 1–3 was questionned by arguing that isomeric 2-alkylated materials