The synthesis and some structural features of 2-Methyl-1,3-cyclobutanedione

Abstract

The synthesis of 2-methyl-1,3-cyclobutanedione and its chemical transformations are reported. Physical data suggest that it exists in solution and the solid state as the enol. The characteristic acid strength can be accounted for by the carbonyl dipole interaction with the acid-base centre. Homoallylic coupling is shown to occur in the N.M.R. spectrum and is suggested to be general for similar systems.