Direct Synthesis of β,γ-Unsaturated α-Keto Esters from Aldehydes and Pyruvates

Herein, we describe two practical methods to synthesize β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters directly from aldehydes and pyruvates promoted by BF3•Et2O in the presence of Ac2O or by Ti(OEt)4 under mild conditions. A variety of aromatic aldehydes was tolerated to afford the desired products in moderate to excellent yield. Moreover, aliphatic aldehydes and Isatin were also employed to give the γ-alkyl β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters in moderate yield with use of the Ti(OEt)4 system.