Efficient preparation of α-ketoacetals

Abstract

The Weinreb amides 2a,b were prepared from the a,a-dimethoxyacetic acids 1c,d. A number of representative nucleophilic additions (RMgX and RLi) on 2 afforded a-ketoacetals 3a-j in 70-99% yield. These compounds represent a versatile arrangement of functional groups of significant synthetic value, as demonstrated in the synthesis of (±)-salbutamol. © 2012 by the authors.