An improved procedure for the synthesis of labelled fatty acids utilizing diethyl malonate

Abstract

An improved procedure for the preparation and purification of labeled fatty acids by malonic ester synthesis has been developed. This method uses the different hydrolysis rates of the monoalkylmalonic ester intermediate and its dialkylmalonic ester side product. A convenient GC–MS monitoring technique allows performing this 3-step procedure without isolation of intermediates and gives a good yield. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.