A One-Pot Synthesis of Dimethyl 2,3-O-Benzylidene-L-tartrate from L-Tartaric Acid

Abstract

An economical one-pot synthesis of (-)-dimethyl 2,3-O-benzylidene-L-tartrate [(4R, 5S)-4,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane] and its enantiomer from the corresponding tartaric acids is reported in 83-91% yield. The desired benzylidene tartrate is obtained by reaction of tartaric acid and benzaldehyde (1.5 equiv) in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid in methanol followed by the addition of 3 equiv of trimethyl orthoformate, which reacts with the water generated in the reaction.