One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Aryltetramic Acids

Tetramic acids substituted in the 3-position by various aryl groups were prepared in one-pot from amino esters and methyl arylacetates, by treatment with potassium tert-butoxide. A tandem process, involving the formation of an amide and a condensation reaction, is likely to occur. N-Unsubstituted tetramic acids were obtained from adducts containing a N-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl) group.