Monoalkylidene Derivatives of Meldrum's Acid

Abstract

We were in need of several aliphatic monoalkylidene derivatives of Meldrum's acid (1) for use in conjunction with a current synthetic problem. Implementation of base^1,2 or Lewis acid³ initiated Knoevenagel conditions were found to be unsatisfactory, in our hands, due to the intercedence of subsequent Michael addition of Meldrum's acid to the desired product. We reasoned, therefore, that a method should be employed which generates the alkylidene derivative in the absence of Meldrum's acid.