Synthesis of γ-N-acylamino-β-keto esters and ethyl 5-oxazoleacetates via Ritter reaction and hydration of γ-hydroxy-α,β-alkynoic esters

The classical Ritter reaction on γ-hydroxy-α,β-alkynoic esters produced γ-N-acylamino-β-keto esters or ethyl 5-oxazoleacetates using alkyl or aryl nitriles, respectively. The γ-N-acylamino-β-keto esters resulting from alkyl nitriles are useful intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of building blocks. We also show that these can be converted into ethyl 5-oxazoleacetates using an additional step involving POCl3.