A convenient synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-(substituted phenyl) butanoates from malic acid

摘要

A synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-(substituted phenyl)butanoates has been accomplished using Friedel-Crafts acylation of substituted benzenes with 2-acetoxybutanoyl chloride.The key feature of this strategy is that various 4-arylbutanoates can be obtained conveniently,which are important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds including ACE inhibitors.