Organic peroxides containing functional groups. Part II. The reaction of hydrogen peroxide with β- and γ-oxo-acids and esters

Abstract

The initial product of the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ethyl acetoacetate under acid conditions has been isolated, and shown to be ethyl 3,3-dihydroperoxybutyrate. This peroxide has been found to undergo a novel ringclosure to give 5-hydroperoxy-5-methyl-1,2-dioxolan-3-one, which has been characterised by i.r. and ¹H n.m.r. spectroscopy, through its derivatives, and by its synthesis via alternative routes. The reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ethyl 4-oxovalerate (levulinate) to yield ethyl 4,4-dihydroperoxyvalerate is described.