GB983341A - Substituted succinic acid esters - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention comprises succinic acid ester-of the general formula <FORM:0983341/C2/1> wherein R is a vinyl or ethinyl group; and alkali metal salts thereof. They may be obtained by reacting an alcohol of formula Cl3-C-CH(OH)-CH2-R, wherein R has the above meaning, with succinic anhydride (a), or a b -carboalkoxypropionyl halide (b), and thereafter selectively hydrolysing the carbalkoxy group in the product. When (b) is used the reaction is carried out in the presence of a tertiary amine, for example pyridine triethylamine or dimethylanaline. When (a) is used, the reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a tertiary amine or an acid catalyst such as a Lewis acid or a strong acid. An inert diluent such as benzene, xylene, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, dibutyl ether, or diisopropyl ether may be present, or an excess of tertiary amine may be used as diluent. Suitable temperature range in this case is 20-85 DEG C. The selective hydrolysis of the carbalkoxy group to form the required product may be carried out with an alkali metal carbonate. The alkali metal salts of the above ester compounds are produced by neutralization in aqueous media with an alkali metal base such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide. 1,1,1 - trichloro - 4 - pentyn - 2 - ol is formed by reacting chloral with propargyl magnesium bromide. Pharmaceutical compositions having sedative or hypnotic action when administered orally or parenterally comprising a compound of the first general formula above or an alkali metal salt thereof and one or more inert diluents or excipients.