Ketoacids and lactones: part 3-synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted-2-hydroxybutyrolactones and 2-butenonic acids

Several 4-aryl-2-hydroxy-2-[p-substituted] phenacylbutanoic acids III have been prepared from the corresponding aralkyl pyruvic acids I. Their corresponding 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones IV were prepared. They were readily dehydrated to give 4-aryl-2-[p-substituted] phenacyl-2-butenoic acids V. Their reduction gave 4-aryl-2-[2-arylethyl]-2-hydroxybutyrolactones VIII