Catalytic Synthesis of 3-Alkoxyacrylic Acid Esters Under Neat Conditions

Abstract

Triethylamine or Ph₃P (0.05 eq.) was found to catalyze the addition of alcohols to alkyl propiolates. The reaction occurred much more rapidly without solvent than in solvent. The E/Z ratio was relative to the reaction temperature. Water was found to inhibit the reaction.

Keywords:

• 3-Alkoxyacrylic acid ester
• catalytic
• neat conditions

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the Natural Science Fund of China (Grant No. 20772142) and Shanghai Maritime University Fund (No. 2009156) for financial support.

Notes

^a Determined by ¹H NMR.