Ozone → Methyl 3-methyl-4-oxobutanoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of methyl 3-methyl-4-nitrobutanoate (96 g, 0.596 m) in methanol (30 ml) is added dropwise to a solution of sodium methoxide (34.5 g, 0.638 m) in methanol (1 l) at room temperature under nitrogen. The resulting mixture is stirred for 1 hr., cooled to -78° C. and treated with one equivalent of ozone. The reaction mixture is then allowed to warm to room temperature and most of the solvent is removed in vacuo. The residue is filtered and the filtrate is treated with ether (500 ml). The organic phase is washed with water (3×200 ml), dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent is removed in vacuo to give the crude product, methyl 3-methyl-4-oxo-butanoate (86.3 g). This material is used directly in the next step.

Provenance & Evidence