Synthesis of 1,3-Diketones and ß-Keto Thioesters via Soft Enolization.

Ketones and thioesters undergo soft enolization and acylation using crude acid chlorides on treatment with MgBr2·OEt2 and i-Pr2NEt to give 1,3-diketones and ß-keto thioesters, respectively. The use of crude acid chlorides adds efficiency and cost reduction by avoiding the need to purify and/or purchase them. The process is conducted in a direct fashion that does not require prior enolate formation, further enhancing its efficiency and making it very easy to carry out. The method is suitable for large scale applications.