Practical large scale synthesis of half-esters of malonic acid

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2009 May;57(5):508-10. doi: 10.1248/cpb.57.508.

Abstract

A practical large-scale synthesis of monomethyl malonate and monoethyl malonate, which are among the most commonly applied half-esters in organic synthesis, is described, applying the highly efficient selective monohydrolysis of symmetric diesters we reported before. The optimal conditions with regard to the type of base, equivalent, co-solvents, and the reaction time have been examined for large-scale reactions. Monomethyl malonate and monoethyl malonate were obtained in high yields with near 100% purity within only half a day. The conditions of this selective monohydrolysis reaction are environmentally benign and straightforward, as it requires only water, a small proportion of a volatile co-solvent, and inexpensive reagents, and produces no hazardous by-products, and therefore the synthetic utility of this reaction in process chemistry is expected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Esters* / chemistry
  • Malonates / chemical synthesis*
  • Malonates / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Esters
  • Malonates
  • monoethyl malonate
  • monomethyl malonate
  • malonic acid