Preparation of 4-methyl-pentanoic acid

摘要

Preparation of 4-methylpentanoic acid of formula CH3-CHMe-(CH2)2-COOH (I) comprises reacting isobutylmethylketone with sulphur and a secondary amine of formula NHR1R2 (III) to the corresponding thioamide of formula CH3-CH(Me)-(CH2)2-CS-NHR1R2 (II), and saponified in the presence of a base to form (I). R1, R2 = 1-4C alkyl; or NR1R2 = 5- or 6-membered heterocycle, which may contain an extra O heteroatom. Isopentylthio-morpholide of formula (IIa) is new.