The mechanism of formation of 6-aryl-4,6-dioxohexanoic acids from arylketones and succinic anhydride

Abstract Compounds 2a-d could be synthesized directly from the requisite acetophenone enolate and succinic anhydride. Intermediate O-acylated products 1a-d were observed. Compounds 1a-d could be converted to 2a-d by treatment with at least two additional equivalents of the acetophenone enolate. Evidence indicates that 1 is an intermediate in the synthesis of 2 and that the direct reaction requires at least two equivalents of acetophenone enolate.