Construction of 1,2,5‐Tricarbonyl Compounds using Methyl Cyanoacetate as a Glyoxylate Anion Synthon Combined with Copper(I) Iodide‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation

Abstract A practical and efficient synthesis of various 1,2,5‐tricarbonyl compounds is described. The synthesis has been carried out by a conjugate addition of methyl cyanoacetate to the β‐position of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds and a subsequent copper(I) iodide‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation. In addition, various α‐aryl‐ and α‐alkyl‐α‐keto esters have been synthesized using a similar approach.