Lactone Carboxylic Acids. III. Reaction of Ethyl　β-Alkylglycidates with Ethyl Malonate

The ring opening of epoxide group in the reaction of ethyl ,β-alkylglycidates with sodiomalonate was observed mostly at the α-position of the glycidates. Ethyl β-ethylglycidate, however, on treatment with sodiomalonate gave ten percent of β-fission product, elucidated by NMR spectra. The reaction sequence provides a general preparative route to γ-alkylparaconic acids and their derivatives.