A facile synthesis of (E,Z)-3-chloro-2-propenamides, acids, and esters from 2,3-acetylenic acids with oxalyl chloride in DMF

A simple route is described for the synthesis of E and Z 3-chloro-2-propenamides (4a-e), esters (3a) and acids (2a-c) by the reaction of 2,3-acetylenic acids with oxalyl chloride in DMF followed by treatment of the corresponding 3-chloro-2-propenoyl chloride derivative with amines, alcohol and water.