Preparation of selectively isotopically labelled β-hydroxypropionic acid

Abstract

Two efficient three-step one-pot procedures for the synthesis of any combination of selectively isotopically labelled β-hydroxypropionic acids from relatively inexpensive labelled sodium acetate and gaseous formaldehyde or carbon dioxide have been developed. [1-¹⁴C]-, [2-¹⁴C]-, [2-¹⁴C,2-³H]-, [2-¹³C]-, and [2-¹³C,2-²H₂]-β-hydroxypropionates have been prepared. The question of selective reduction of the intermediate malonate half esters is discussed and the general procedures are described.