Preparation of 5‐Aryl‐3‐Oxo‐δ‐Lactones by the Potassium Carbonate–Promoted Condensation of Aromatic Aldehydes and Ethyl Acetoacetate in Ethanol

Abstract

5‐Aryl‐3‐oxo‐δ‐lactones (6‐aryl‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2,4(3H)‐diones) were prepared by the potassium carbonate–promoted condensation of aromatic aldehydes and ethyl acetoacetate in absolute ethanol. Benzaldehyde and substituted benzaldehydes bearing an alkoxy group (2 or 3 position), a chlorine atom (2, 3, or 4 position), a nitro group (3 or 4 position), a cyano group (4 position), or an acetyl group (4 position) react in high yields under these conditions.

Keywords:

• aromatic aldehyde
• 6‐aryl‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2,4(3H)‐dione
• 5‐aryl‐3‐oxo‐δ‐lactone
• ethyl acetoacetate
• potassium carbonate

Acknowledgments

We thank the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the U.S. Department of Labor, in collaboration with the City of Peoria Workforce Development Department, the Ruby Worner Foundation, and Bradley University (Special Emphasis Fund) for their financial support of this project.