An improved synthesis of a mixture of diethyl (Z)- and (E)-3-methylglutaconates from ethyl acetoacetate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1993-35864

A simple, efficient two-step synthesis of a mixture of diethyl (Z)- and (E)-3-methylglutaconates from isodehydroacetic acid in 83% yield is described. On the basis of this synthesis an improved procedure for the preparation of a mixture of (Z)- and (E)-3-methylglutaconic acids from ethyl acetoacetate in 44% overall yield was elaborated.