Claisen Condensation as a Facile Route to an α-Alkoxy-cinnamate:  Synthesis of Ethyl (2<i>S</i>)-2-Ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate

Abstract

The title compound was prepared from p -anisaldehyde and ethyl ethoxyacetate via a racemic synthetic route. The synthesis involves a Claisen-type condensation in which the elimination was unexpectedly promoted by an excess of the ester. The process has been successfully performed on a 2000-L scale with a total yield over seven steps of 19%.