Synthesis of isophthalates from methyl coumalate

Abstract

Methyl coumalate reacts with enol ethers to form stable adducts which can be converted into isophthalates in good to excellent yields. Alkyl vinyl ethers afford higher yields of isophthalates than enol silyl ethers. The adduct of the enol silyl ether of acetophenone with methyl coumalate reacted with PTSA to produce a styryl coumalate.