New approach to the synthesis of 1,3-dioxolanes

Application of ethanol to the synthesis of 1,3-dioxolanes by the condensation of carbonyl compounds with vicinal diols results in a high yield of the reaction product and considerably reduces the duration of the process. It is assumed that the effect of the ethanol is caused by the adduct formation with carbonyl compounds (hemiacetals) which behave as active intermediates of the condensation. A cyclic ketal of acetone with glycerol obtained with the help of ethanol was used as a basis component in the synthesis of a series of ketals substituting diol or carbonyl components by transketalyzation mechanism proceeding without water liberation.