Question

Question: Synthesize each compound from ethyl acetoacetate. You may use any other organic or inorganic reagents.

Short answer

Answer

The compounds synthesized using the acetoacetic ester synthesis are shown below.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of acetoacetic ester reaction

The acetoacetic ester synthesis is a method required for the conversion of ethyl acetoacetate into a ketone having one or two alkyl groups on the $\alpha$-carbon. It is a 3-step process deprotonation reaction that takes place first, followed by alkylation with the alkylating agent, and the last step is hydrolysis and deprotonation.

Retrosynthetic pathway for obtaining the starting materials

To obtain the starting materials, a retrosynthetic analysis is followed, as shown below.

Forward pathway for obtaining the product

To obtain the product, a forward reaction scheme analysis is followed, as shown below.

Synthesis of a

Synthesis of b