(1) Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
Abstract:
We have developed a method for the synthesis of ethyl 4-(3-pyridyl)- and 4-(4-pyridyl)-2-oxobutenoates by condensation of 3-pyridinecarbaldehyde and 4-pyridinecarbaldehyde monohydrate respectively with ethyl pyruvate, esterifiction of the target acids, and hydrolysis of the corresponding ethyl ester ketals in the presence of FeCl3·6H2O.