DBU-catalyzed condensation of acyldiazomethanes to aldehydes in water and a new approach to ethyl β-hydroxy α-arylacrylates

DBU-catalyzed condensation of ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) with aldehydes in pure water afforded corresponding β-hydroxy α-diazo carbonyl compounds. The β-hydroxy group of the products was further converted into β-siloxy group. The Rh(II)-catalyzed reaction of the β-aryl β-siloxy α-diazo carbonyl compounds gave 1,2-aryl shift products predominantly. The three-step transformation constitutes an efficient synthesis of ethyl β-hydroxy α-arylacrylates.