4-Alkyl- and 4-(ω-chloroalkyl)-1,3-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)buta-1,3-dienes were prepared
from ethyl acetoacetate in three steps. Their cyclization with oxalyl chloride allowed
an efficient synthesis of 4-alkyl- and 4-(ω-chloroalkyl)-5-alkylidenebutenolides.
butenolides - cyclizations - O-heterocycles - silyl enol ethers