methyl 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoate

Conditions: temp:5.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: In dimethylformamide (22 ml), 1-(2-chlorophenyl)ethanone (3.56 g) and dimethyl oxalate (3.26 g) were dissolved, and 60% sodium hydride suspension in oil (1.1 g) was added thereto while stirring at 5° C. The mixture was heated at a room temperature for one hour and then at 50° C. for 30 minutes. After being allowed to cool, the mixture was acidified with 2-N hydrochloric acid, and the precipitated crystal was separated by filtration, washed with water, and dried to give the title compound (3.83 g, 69%). The mixture was heated at a room temperature for one hour to cool the precipitated crystal was separated by filtration washed with water dried