| abstract |
2-Alkyl-2,4-diacyloxy-but-3-enals of the formula ##STR1## where R 1 is alkyl and R 2 is hydrogen, alkyl, a cycloaliphatic radical or an aromatic radical, are prepared by reacting a buta-1,3-diene of the formula ##STR2## with an oxygen donor. The new compounds are valuable intermediates in the preparation of terpenes, e.g. retinal, β-carotin and apocarotinoids. |