Synthesis of α-diones and α-diimines by regioselective α-alkylation of 2,3-alkanediimines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)79403-2

While α-diones are not easily alkylated at the α-position via their enolates, the corresponding α-diimines can be alkylated conveniently to afford higher homologues, which are easily hydrolyzed into homologous α-diones.