An efficient synthesis of R3Si/CH2/n - substituted acetylacetone derivatives

An efficient synthesis of R3Si(CH2)3CHÄC(O)MeÜ2 3(RMe, OR') is described. The reaction of R3Si(CH2)3Cl 2 with the sodium or potassium salt of acetyacetonate (1) and 0.8-2 equivalents of NaI or KI in DMF, DMSO or NMP as a solvent gives the C- and O-alkylation products R3Si(CH2)3CHÄC(O)MeÜ2 3 and R3Si(CH2)3OC(Me)=CH-C(O)Me 4 in a 3:1 ratio an a 60-70 percent total yield. For R3SiCH2CHÄC(O)MeÜ2 selectivity and yields are lower.