ChemInform Abstract: Mixed Condensation of α‐Epoxy Ketones with Aldehydes. Part 1. Condensation of 4‐Methyl‐3,4‐epoxy‐2‐pentanone with Acetaldehyde and Propionaldehyde by Alkaline Catalysis.

Abstract

135ChemInform Abstract The base catalyzed condensation of the title compounds (I) and (II), which is studied for the first time, affords the derivatives (III). The yields for this step have been optimized. The best results are obtained if (I) and (IIa) or (IIb) are reacted in a 6:1 or 2:1 molar ratio, resp., under the conditions depicted in the scheme. The products (III) are easily dehydrated to give the unsaturated epoxy ketones (IV). The epoxy ketones (I) are found to be more reactive than the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketones under the conditions given in the scheme.