A general and highly efficient method was developed for the synthesis
of α-keto esters by oxidative esterification of 2,2-dibromo-1-(het)arylethanones
by sequential treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide and an alkanol.
The versatility of the reaction was established by synthesizing
a range of α-keto esters by treatment of 2,2-dibromoethanones,
derived from aryl or hetaryl ketones, with dimethyl sulfoxide
and a cyclic or acyclic primary or secondary alcohol. The mechanism
of the reaction was established by means of a detailed study.
ketones - esters - oxidations - esterifications - alcohols