| abstract |
Alpha, beta-unsaturated acids of the general formula (I), wherein R1 signifies C1-C5 alkyl and Ar signifies an aryl group which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents of halogen, phenyl, C1-C5 alkyl, alkoxy C1-C5, perfluorinated C1-C5 alkyl or perfluorinated C1-C5 alkoxy can be obtained from new or known compounds of formula III. Compounds I can be converted by asymmetric hydrogenation into corresponding optically active saturated acids. |