MODIFICATION OF THE INTACT RETINOID STRUCTURE IN THE CYCLOHEXENYL REGION - ALKYLATION OF METHYL 4-OXORETINOATE

Alkylation of methyl 4-oxoretinoate under kinetic-control conditions g ives predominantly 3-alkyl-4-oxoretinoates. 3,3-Disubstituted 4-oxoret inoates are obtained similarly from the 3-monosubstituted derivatives, although introduction of the second substituent is more difficult. Ev idence has been obtained for a much slower rate of alkylation alpha to the ester group.