Recent synthetic applications of the dealkoxycarbonylation reaction. Part 1. Dealkoxycarbonylations of malonate esters

The purpose of this review is to update (publications from 1981 to mid 2006) the synthetic applications of dealkoxycarbonylations of malonate esters, β-keto esters (and related esters with α-substituted electron-withdrawing functionalities) induced by heating with water or with water in the presence of salts (such as NaCN, NaCl or LiCl) in dipolar aprotic solvents. The presentation will be divided in two parts. In Part 1, discussion will focus on the dealkoxycarbonylations of malonate esters. Part 2 (to follow as a separate paper) will deal with the dealkoxycarbonylations of β-keto esters and α-cyano esters (and related analogues).