An Acylal of Dimethylketene

Abstract

Abstract Free dimethylketene is difficult to handle because of its tendancy to dimerize even at low temperatures and to from explosive peroxides with atmospheric oxygen. In contrast, the dimethylketenacylal of dimethylmalonic acid is simple and safe to use. This compound affords dimethylketene on thermal or catayltic cleavege, hence, it can replace the free ketene in nearly all reaction. The synthesis and reactions of this acylal are described.