Modified preparation of (2R)-2-tert-butyl-6-methyl-4H-1,3-dioxin-4-one; a chiral acetylacetic acid derivative for the synthesis of enantiopure compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1992-34162

An improved synthesis of the title compound in ca. 45% yield on up to a 174 mmol scale is reported. Bromination of (2R,6R)-2-tert-butyl-6-methyl-1,3-dioxan-4-one gives a mixture of mono- and dibromides which must be purified by chromatography to remove impurities which may poision the palladium catalyst in the following dehalogenation step.