PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ALKYL 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPANECARBOXYLATE

摘要

Disclosed is a 4-step process for the preparation of alkyl esters of 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid which comprises the steps of (1) converting gamma -butyrolactone to alpha -methyl- gamma -butyrolactone; (2) converting the alpha -methyl- gamma -butyrolactone from step (1) to an alkyl 4-halo-2-methyl-butyrate; (3) producing a xylene solution of the alkyl 4-halo-2-methyl-butyrate; and (4) contacting the xylene solution of the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate from step (3) with an alkali metal alkoxide under conditions to temperature and pressure which causes vaporization of (i) an alkanol as it is fomred and (ii) an alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate as it si formed from the alkyl 4-halo-2-methylbutyrate. Also disclosed are processes whereby the alkyl 1-methylcyclopropanecarboxylate, prepared as described above, is converted to 1-methylcyclopropylamine.