Novel intermediates for the preparation of alpha -hydroxycarbonyl compounds

摘要

The instant invention provides a new and improved method of preparing alpha -hydroxycarbonyl compounds, particularly substituted cyclopent-2-en-2-ol-1-ones and substituted 3-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanones. The novel sequence involves a number of novel intermediates including substituted 2-cyanocyclopentanones, substituted 2-cyano-2-hydroxycyclopentanones, and 2-cyano-2-hydroxyvalero- gamma -lactones.