TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

This invention describes a regioselective-one-pot synthesis of all E retinoic acid from a new enaminodiester. The enaminodiester was easily produced, nearly quantitatively, from methyl isopropylidenemalonate. This process was accomplished in one day and all E retinoic acid was obtained with 65-70% yield (all E/13Z : 87/13).
This procedure offers an alternative method for the production of other important related products such vitamin A and ?-carotene via a single synthon and ?-ionone. Syntheses of these compounds could be completed in two to three days from all E retinoic acid using established procedures.