Synthesis of ligands for use in actinide extraction

F. Lewis, L. Harwood, M. Hudson (2011) Synthesis of ligands for use in actinide extraction. WO/2011/077081. doi: WO/2011/077081

Abstract/Summary

The invention discloses an improved process for the preparation of 2,2,5,5-tetrasubstituted hexane-1,6-dicarbonyl compounds, and in particular diethyl 2,2,5,5-tetramethylhexanedioate and dimethyl 2,2,5,5-tetramethylhexanedioate, by the alkylation of 1,2-difunctional ethane compounds with enolates of carbonyl compounds. The process provides higher yields and greater synthetic brevity than existing processes.