Synthesis of 1,3-diketones through ring-opening of ketoketene dimer β-lactones

The reaction of ketoketene dimers with organolithium reagents afforded 1,3-diketones in good to excellent yields, and with good diastereoselectivity in some cases.

The reaction of ketoketene dimers with organolithium reagents afforded 1,3-diketones in good to excellent yields, and with good diastereoselectivity in some cases.