TiCl4-mediated olefination of aldehydes with acetic acid and alkyl acetates: a stereoselective approach to (E)-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and esters

A new method has been developed for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and corresponding esters with (E)-stereoselectivity via the TiCl4-mediated olefination of aldehydes. The method, which uses readily available acetic acid or its alkyl esters as active methylene partners, is more flexible and complementary to conventional routes in the preparation of (E)-cinnamic acid derivatives.