Mono-C-alkylation of a number of β-dicarbonyl compounds using alkyl iodides and tetra-alkylammonium fluorides is described. Yields are high with primary iodides and isopropyl iodide, but much lower with s-butyl and t-butyl iodides. The reactions occur under mild conditions with no apparent O-alkylation or other competing reactions.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Clark et al. (1977) studied this question.