Regioselective Reduction of 3-Methoxymaleimides: an Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Methyl 5-Hydroxytetramates

Abstract

3-Methoxymaleimide and various N-alkyl-3-methoxymaleimides, synthesized by base-promoted N-alkylation of 3-methoxymaleimide, were reduced using sodium borohydride with complete regioselectivity. The resultant methyl 5-hydroxytetramates are useful intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of tetramate derivatives.