Kowalski ester homologation

The Kowalski ester homologation is a chemical reaction for the homologation of esters.[1][2]

The Kowalski ester homologation
The Kowalski ester homologation

This reaction was designed as a safer alternative to the Arndt–Eistert synthesis, avoiding the need for diazomethane. The Kowalski reaction is named after its inventor, Conrad J. Kowalski.

  1. ^ Kowalski, C. J.; Haque, M. S.; Fields, K. W. (1985). "Ester homologation via α-bromo α-keto dianion rearrangement". J. Am. Chem. Soc. 107 (5): 1429–1430. doi:10.1021/ja00291a063.
  2. ^ Reddy, R. E.; Kowalski, C. J. (1993). "Ethyl 1-naphthylacetate: ester homologation via ynolate anions". Organic Syntheses. 71: 146; Collected Volumes, vol. 9, p. 426.