One-pot, cis-selective synthesis of α-substituted β-trimethylsilyl-α,β-epoxyesters from α-ketoesters and diazo(trimethylsilyl)methyl magnesium bromide

Reaction of α-ketoesters with diazo(trimethylsilyl)methyl magnesium bromide followed by in situ treatment with pivalic acid gave α-substituted β-trimethylsilyl-α,β-epoxyesters in an efficient and cis-selective manner.