Process for the preparation of (pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl ketones

A process for the preparation, of (pyrimidin-2-yl)methyl ketones of the general formula (I), in which R1 is in each case a C1-10-alkyl group, a C3-8-cycloalkyl group, an allyl group or an aryl-C1-4-alkyl group, and R2 is a C1-10-alkyl group or aryl group. For this, a malondiimidate of the general formula (II), in which R1 has the meaning given above, is reacted with a beta-keto ester of the general formula (III), in which R2 has the meaning given above, and R3 is a C1-10-alkyl group. The compounds which can be prepared according to the invention are intermediates for the synthesis of agrochemical active ingredients.