Non-metal Lewis acid-catalyzed cross-Claisen condensation for β-keto esters

In this work, we disclose a new catalytic and highly chemoselective cross-Claisen condensation of esters. In the presence of TBSNTf2 as a non-metal Lewis acid, various esters can undergo cross-Claisen condensation to form beta-keto esters which are important building blocks. Compared with the traditional Claisen condensation, this process, employing silyl ketene acetals (SKAs) as carbonic nucleophiles to achieve cross-Claisen condensation, requires mild conditions and has good tolerance of functional groups.

Automated summary

This work presents a new catalytic and highly chemoselective cross-Claisen condensation of esters, using silyl ketene acetals as carbonic nucleophiles. The process offers mild conditions and good functional group tolerance compared to traditional Claisen condensation.