Synthesis of Ynolates via Double Deprotonation of Nonbrominated Esters.

Herein, we report a double deprotonation method used for the preparation of ynolates starting from nonbrominated 2,6-di--butylphenyl esters. The current method is superior to the previously described double lithium/halogen exchange approach because easily accessible starting materials are used. This method will be especially useful for preparation of ynolates bearing functional groups in organic synthesis.