Synthesis of 1,3-dioxolane derivatives

Chloral cyanomethylhemiacetal is converted to 2-trichloromethyl-4-imino-1,3-dioxolane under the influence of hydrogen chloride or pyridine. Acetone cyanohydrin reacts with chloral to give 2-trichloromethyl-4-imino-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane, the hydrochloride of which in water gives 2-trichloromethyl-4-oxo-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane.