A convenient synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-(substituted phenyl)butanoates from malic acid

Abstract A synthesis of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-(substituted phenyl)butanoates has been accomplished using Friedel–Crafts acylation of substituted benzenes with 2-acetoxybutanoyl chloride. The key feature of this strategy is that various 4-arylbutanoates can be obtained conveniently, which are important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds including ACE inhibitors.