Stereoselective synthesis of β-ketoesters from prop-2-yn-1-ols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)00605-4

The activation of allylic prop-2-yn-1-ols by the [Ru(μ-O₂CH)(CO)₂(PPh₃)]₂ catalyst in the presence of carboxylic acids leads to unsaturated β-ketoesters in one step. The utilization of optically active prop-2-yn-1-ols provides a new stereoselective access to optically active β-ketoesters with retention of configuration at the propargylic carbon.