Modification of the Intact Retinoid Structure in the Cyclohexenyl Region: Alkylation of Methyl 4-Oxoretinoate

Abstract

Alkylation of methyl 4-oxoretinoate under kinetic-control conditions gives predominantly 3-alkyl-4-oxoretinoates. 3,3-Disubstituted 4-oxoretinoates are obtained similarly from the 3-monosubstituted derivatives, although introduction of the second substituent is more difficult. Evidence has been obtained for a much slower rate of alkylation α to the ester group.