PRODUCTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACID DERIVATIVE

PURPOSE:To obtain a 4,4-dimethyl-3-oxovaleric acid lower alkyl ester directly, by reacting a 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid halide with Mg complex or Ca complex of an acetoacetic acid lower alkyl ester. CONSTITUTION:An acetoacetic acid lower alkyl ester is reacted with a 2,2- dimethylpropionic acid halide by using an oxide or a hydroxide of magnesium or calcium which is readily obtainable as a deoxidizer and easily handleable to give a 4,4-dimethyl-oxovaleric acid lower alkyl ester. In the essence of this reaction, magnesium complex or calcium complex of the acetoacetic acid lower alkyl ester is reacted with the 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid halide to give the carboxylic acid derivative. USE:An intermediate raw material for drugs, industrial chemicals, etc.