Process for the preparation of 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-glutaric acid

摘要

A novel process for the preparation of 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-glutaric acid of the formula <IMAGE> I comprising reacting a compound of the formula <IMAGE> II wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, formyloxy, halogen and acyloxy of 2 to 18 carbon atoms with at least two equivalents of a compound of the formula X-CH2-COOR1 III wherein X is an alkali metal and R1 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms to obtain a compound of the formula <IMAGE> IV and subjecting the latter to saponification or optionally catalytic thermal decomposition to obtain 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-glutaric acid and a novel intermediate.