An efficient one-step synthesis of a new series of mutifunctional olefins and direct hydroxymethylation of α-substituted β-keto esters

An efficient one-step procedure for the synthesis of a new series of multifunctional olefins by condensation of α-substituted β-diketones as well as β-phosphonoesters and benzoylated β-ketoesters with formaldehyde, using potassium carbonate in refluxing THF, followed by a deacylation reaction, is herein described. In contrast, the α-substituted β-keto esters, bearing an acyl moiety, only undergo a hydroxymethylation reaction, with no metal catalysts/activating agents, as is usually required for the process, affording the corresponding α-hydroxymethyl β-keto esters in high yields.