Preparation of alkyl 4,5-dihydro-gamma,5-dioxo-2-aryl-4-oxazolebutanoates

摘要

An industrially acceptable process is provided for the synthesis of alkyl 4,5-dihydro- gamma ,5-dioxo-2-aryl-4-oxazolebutanoates which are important intermediates in the preparation of the pharmaceutically important delta -aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA.HCl). The process comprises the addition of amines to a mixture of 2-aryl-5-oxazolone and alkyl succinyl chloride in the presence of pyridine derivatives as a catalyst. The process provides both high selectivity and high yields.