Synthesis 1989; 1989(9): 688-690
DOI: 10.1055/s-1989-27359
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Convenient, High-Yield Method for the Methylation of 1,3-Diketones

Anil Choudhary* , Alfons L. Baumstark
  • *Department of Chemistry, LMBS, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 September 2002 (online)

A general method for the facile dimethylation of 1,3-diketones is presented. The method involves the use of readily available, inexpensive reagents and is carried out under mild conditions. Monomethylation may be carried out by slight modification (simplification) of the procedure. Several examples are presented which show that the method is applicable to alkylations with primary halides as well. Isolated yields for monoalkylation are approximately 95% while those for dialkylation are ≍90%. Alkylation is taking place by the reaction of the enolates of 1,3-diketones [generated in toluene by treatment with anhydrous potassium carbonate in the presence of tetraalkylammonium bromide (phase-transfer catalyst)] with alkyl halides.

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