A simple synthesis of symmetrical α-diones from organometallic reagents and 1,4-dimethyl-piperazine-2,3-dione

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)61622-2

Short reflux of an equimolar mixture of N-N′-dimethyl ethylenediamine and diethyl oxalate in ipropanol or diethyl ether leads to 1,4-dimethyl-piperazine-2,3-dione, which is able to react with two equivalent of organolithium or Grignard compounds to form symmetrically substituted α-diones in excellent yields.