# Patent

## Title
Flameproofing agents, their preparation and their use for providing

## Abstract

A useful intermediate, glutaconic acid ester derivative (III), is prepared by Michael-type condensation of thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) with alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II) in the presence of base. ##STR1## (wherein, R is amino or protected amino;

## Background
This invention relates to glutaconic acid derivatives useful as starting materials for producing e.g., anti-bacterials. More specifically, it relates to a process for producing glutaconic acid derivatives (III) by a Michael type condensation of thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) and alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II) in the presence of base. ##STR2## (wherein, R is amino or protected amino;

The groups in the preceding formulas are explained below.

In the protected amino R, representative amino-protecting groups are 1C to 5C alkanoyl (e.g., formyl, acetyl, isobutyryl), halo-1 to 5C alkanoyl (e.g., chloroacetyl), 2C to 6C alkoxyformyl (e.g., methoxycarbonyl, t-butoxycarbonyl, trichloroethoxycarbonyl, iodoethoxycarbonyl), 8C to 15C aralkoxyformyl (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl, dimethylbenzyloxycarbonyl, nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl), 1C to 15C (alkyl or aryl)-sulfonyl (e.g., methanesulfonyl, ethanesulfonyl, benzenesulfonyl, toluenesulfonyl, bromobenzenesulfonyl), and other acyls or 19 to 20C triarylmethyl (e.g., triphenylmethyl), 3C to 10C enamine forming group, tri-(1C to 5C)-alkylsilyl (e.g., tert-butyldimethylsilyl, trimethylsilyl), 2C to 10C Schiff base-forming groups (e.g., dimethylaminomethylidene, benzylidene), and other amino-protecting groups.

The ester-forming group R.sup.1, R.sup.5 and the protective group in the esterified carboxys R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 can each be, for example, 1C to 8C alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl), 1C to 5C alkyl substituted by halogen, 1C to 5C alkoxy, 1C to 8C sulfonyl (e.g., chloromethyl, trichloromethyl, methoxyethyl, methanesulfonylethyl), 2C to 5C alkenyl (e.g., vinyl, propenyl, prenyl), 7C to 15C aralkyl (e.g., benzyl, methylbenzyl, nitrobenzyl, methoxybenzyl, diphenylmethyl), or other conventional carboxy-protecting groups.

The lower alkyl R.sup.4 can be 1C to 5C alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, especially methyl and ethyl). Preferable aralkyls R.sup.4 can be 7C to 15C aralkyl (e.g., benzyl, methylbenzyl).

The Michael-type reaction of this invention consists of the following steps: i.e., the reaction of thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) with the base to convert active methylene into carbanion (Ia), the Michael addition of this anion to alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II) giving an intermediate, alkoxyglutaric acid derivative (Ib), and the elimination of alcohol R.sup.4 OH from the latter to give glutaconic acid derivative (III).

The said carbanion formation, addition, and alcohol-elimination each may proceed in the presence of the base under anhydrous condition. So, the isolation of intermediates (Ia) or (Ib) is not always necessary. Thus, thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) is reacted with alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II, especially when R.sup.3 is hydrogen) to give objective glutaconic acid derivative (III). ##STR3##

Glutaconic acid ester derivatives (III) can be deesterified (by e.g., hydrolysis), giving glutaconic acid derivatives (IV) (when R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are both carboxy, followed by decarboxylation) which are useful for producing penicillins and cephalosporins.

The base for the reactions can be a metal compound e.g., hydride or alkoxide of alkali metal.

The carbanion-formation and addition are carried out under dry condition.

The addition proceeds well by contacting alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II) (preferably 1 to 5 equivalents, especially 1 to 3 equivalents) with the carbanion formed in the preceding step. Addition product (Ib) can sometimes be isolated from the reaction mixture in a conventional way.

The elimination of alcohol R.sup.4 OH proceeds by the action of a base. This reaction can proceed rapidly also in a polar solvent (e.g., water).

Thus produced glutaconic acid derivative (III) is usually a mixture of geometrical isomers in relation to the double bond. The over-all yield from thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) may amount up to over 90%.

Deprotection of this (by e.g., hydrolysis) gives glutaconic acid derivative (IV). When R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 in glutaconic acid ester (III) are both esterified carboxy, decarboxylation occurs simultaneously with the deprotection giving the same glutaconic acid derivative (IV).

The above steps proceed well in a solvent. Such solvent can be ether (e.g., dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane), nitrile (e.g., acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile), sulfoxide (e.g., dimethylsulfoxide), amide (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphorotriamide), ester (e.g., methyl formate, ethyl acetate), or a mixture of these. Acrylic acid derivative (II) can serve as a solvent. The reaction is usually carried out well at -30.degree. to 100.degree. C. (especially -20.degree. to 70.degree. C.) often for 5 minutes to 10 hours.

The starting thiazoleacetic acid derivative (I) and alkoxyacrylic acid derivative (II) are known compounds or easily available from known compounds. The intermediates (i.e., alkoxyglutaric acid derivative (Ib), glutaconic acid ester derivative (III), and glutaconic acid derivative (IV)) are all novel compounds.

The following examples illustrate this invention.

In the examples, "part" shows part by weight and "equivalent" shows molar equivalent.

(Abbreviations) ##STR4##

To a suspension of sodium hydride in tetrahydrofuran is added a solution of thiazoleacetic acid ester (1) and 2-(alkoxymethylidene)malonic acid ester (2) in tetrahydrofuran. After stirring at the listed temperature for listed time, the mixture is diluted with ethyl acetate, neutralized with acetic acid, washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue gives, if required after purifying by chromatography, alkoxyglutaric acid ester (3). Geometric isomers can be isolated.

The reaction conditions are listed on Table 1 and the physical constants of the products are listed on Table 5. ##STR5##

To a solution of alkoxyglutaric acid derivative (1) in a solvent is added the given base. After the mixture is stirred at given temperature for given time, the mixture is neutralized, diluted with water and ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue gives, if required after purifying by silica gel chromatography, carboxyglutaconic acid ester derivative (2). Geometric isomers can be isolated.

The reaction conditions are listed on Table 2 and the physical constants of the products are listed on Table 6. ##STR6##

To a solution of carboxyglutaconic acid ester (1) in given solvent is added given base. After stirring at given temperature for given time, the mixture is diluted with water and ethyl acetate. The separated aqueous layer is acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is glutaconic acid derivative (2).

The reaction conditions are listed on Table 3 and the physical constants of the products are listed on Table 7. ##STR7##

A solution of base, alkoxyacrylic acid derivative reagent (2) and thiazoleacetic acid derivative (1) in N,N-dimethylformamide is kept at given temperature for given time. The reaction mixture is poured onto a mixture of 5% hydrochloric acid and ethyl acetate. The organic layer is taken, washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo to give glutaconic acid ester derivative (3), if required after purifying by chromatography.

When the base is a hydride, a trace amount of alcohol can be added as a reaction initiator.

The reaction conditions are listed on Table 4 (Part 1) and the physical constants of the products are listed on Table 8. ##STR8##

To a solution of 2-(2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-thiazolyl)acetic acid methyl ester (1) in the listed solvent are added 3-methoxyacrylic acid methyl ester reagent (2) and sodium methoxide. After reacting at 0.degree. to 15.degree. C. for 15 minutes, the mixture is analyzed by the high performance liquid chromatography to determine the yield of 2-(2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-thiazolyl)glutaconic acid dimethyl ester (3).

The reaction conditions and yields are listed on Table 4 (Part 2). ##STR9##

To a solution of amine (1) in toluene (4.3 parts) is added benzaldehyde (5 equivalents). After refluxing under azeotropic condition for 2 hours, the mixture is concentrated to remove the solvent and benzaldehyde. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography (hexane:acetone=3:2) to give Schiff base (2). mp. 71.degree.-72.degree. C. (hexane-ether). Yield: 62.8%.

IR(Nujol).nu.: 1730, 1605, 1585, 1160 cm.sup.-1.

NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.: 3.71(s, 3H), 3.80(s, 2H), 7.07(s, 1H), 7.47(m, 3H), 7.93 (m, 2H), 8.98(s, 1H) ppm. ##STR10##

Phosphorus oxychloride (5 equivalents) is added to N,N-dimethylformamide (1.8 parts) at 6.degree. to 11.degree. C. for 18 minutes and the mixture is diluted with chloroform (4.5 parts). The solution is added to a suspension of N-formyl compound (1) in chloroform (10 parts) at 7.degree. C. during 15 minutes. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 140 minutes. The reaction mixture is cooled to 5.degree. C., neutralized with aqueous 3N-sodium hydroxide to pH 7, and extracted with chloroform. The extract is washed with water, dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography (ethyl acetate:acetonitrile=8:2) to give carbodiimide (2). Yield: 58.2%.

IR(CHCl.sub.3).nu.: 1730, 1630, 1100 cm.sup.-1.

NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.: 3.03, 3.06(2.times.s, 6H), 3.70(s, 5H), 6.60(s, 1H), 8.17(s, 1H) ppm. ##STR11##

N-Formyl compound (1) is treated in the same manner with that of Preparation 2 giving carbodiimide (2). Yield: 87.7%.

IR(CHCl.sub.3).nu.: 1730, 1620, 1103 cm.sup.-1.

NMR(CHCl.sub.3).delta.: 1.26(t, J=7 Hz, 3H), 3.04(s, 6H), 3.63(s, 2H), 4.15(q, J=7 Hz, 2H), 6.60(s, 1H), 8.14(s, 1H) ppm. ##STR12##

A mixture of 3-methoxyacrylic acid methyl ester (1), benzyl alcohol (1.2 equivalents), a solution of sodium methoxide in methanol (0.05 equivalents), and toluene (3.7 parts) is heated for 3 hours to remove methanol under azeotropic distillation. The mixture is concentrated in vacuo to remove the solvent, distilled in vacuo to remove by-products (94.degree. to 112.degree. C. at 3 mmHg), and cooled. The residue is chromatographed over silica gel (benzene:ethyl acetate=95:5) to give 3-benzyloxyacrylic acid benzyl ester (2). Yield: 45%.

NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.: 4.74(s, 2H), 5.11(s, 2H), 5.32(d, J=13H, 1H), 7.29(m, 10H), 7.69(d, J=13 Hz, 1H) ppm. __________________________________________________________________________ (Addition) ##STR13## NaH  THF reagent THF temp time yield stereoisomers No. R      R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.4 (equiv.) (part) (equiv.) (part) (.degree.C.) (min) (%)  A (isolated) __________________________________________________________________________ B 1  BOCNH  Me Et Et 2.0  5.7 1.2  5.7 20 210 52.7 21.9 30.8 2  CbzNH  Me Me Me 2.3  4.8 1.6  9.7 10 10  84   mixture rt 180 3  CbzNH  Me Et Et 2.2  5.8 1.4  5.8 rt 15  31.7 11.5 20.2 40 30 rt 150 4  OCHNH  Et Et Et 2.0  20.5 1.2  --  rt 120 60   4:5 mixture 5  PhCHN  Me Et Et 2.0  8.9 2.0  7.1  8 10  40 rt 210 60 60 6  Me.sub.2 NCHN Me Me Me 3.0  8.8 1.5  6.1  3  7  >85  continued to rt 60       Table 2, No. 7. 60 45 7  Me.sub.2 NCHN Et Et Et 3.0  8.6 1.5  86.3 rt 120 >60  continued to 60 40       Table 2, No. __________________________________________________________________________ 8. __________________________________________________________________________ (Elimination) ##STR14## solvent base  temp time yield No. R      R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.4 (part) (equiv.) (.degree.C.) (min) (%) cis:trans __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH  Me Et Et MeOH 2NKOH 0   15  86 3:4 3.6  4.0              (from isomer A) 2  BOCNH  Me Et Et MeOH 2NKOH 0   15  -- 3:4 3.6  4.0              (from isomer B) 3  CbzNH  Me Me Me CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 2NKOH rt  300 -- continued to 19.6 10.0             Table 3, No.2 4  CbzNH  Me Et Et MeOH 2NKOH 0   30  82 3:5 3.1  4.0 5  OCHNH  Et Et Et EtOH 2NKOH rt  60  79 5:6 3.5  4.0 6  PhCHN  Me Et Et CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 DBU   rt  120 38 -- 25.5 1.2 7  Me.sub.2 NCHN Me Me Me The same condition with Table 1, No. 85 (over-all yield from Table 1, No. 6) 8  Me.sub.2 NCHN Et Et Et The same condition with Table 1, No. 60 (over-all yield from Table 1, No. 7) __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ (Hydrolysis + decarboxylation) ##STR15## No. R    R.sup.1 R.sup.2 Solvent (w/w) Base (equiv.) temp. (.degree.C.) time (min) yield (%) __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH Me Et MeOH (9.0) 1NNaOH (10.0) rt    360   34 2  CbzNH Me Me CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 (19.6) 2NKOH (10.0) rt    300   57 (over-all from Table 2, No. 3) 3  CbzNH Me Et MeOH (8.3) 1NNaOH (10.0) rt    300   26 __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ (Addition + Elimination) __________________________________________________________________________ (Part 1) ##STR16## Bzl = benzyl DMF          R.sup.4 OH reagent temp time yield No. R    R.sup.1 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 (part) base equiv. (equiv.) (equiv.) (.degree.C.) (min) (%) __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH Me COOMe Me 6.3 NaOMe 3.1 0    2.4    0 40  60 2  CbzNH Me COOMe Me 4.6 NaOMe 3.0 0    1.2    0 60  84 3  CbzNH Et COOMe Et 11.8 NaH  2.4 0.2  1.4   15 30  68 4  CbzNH Bzl COOBzl Bzl 4.1 NaH  3.0 0    1.6   10 60  46 5  CbzNH Bzl COOBzl Bzl 4.1 NaH  3.0 0    1.5   10 70  36 6  HCONH Me COOMe Me 18.9 NaH  2.5 2.0  2.0    0 30  78 7  HCONH Me CN   Me 18.9 NaH  2.5 1.0  2.0    0 40  42 8  CbzNH Me CN   Me 12.3 NaH  2.5 2.0  2.0    0 30  72 ##STR17## Me COOMe Me 11.8 NaH  2.5 1.0  2.5  -20 .fwdarw.0 60  60 __________________________________________________________________________ (Part 2) ##STR18## No. Solvent (Parts by Volume) NaOMe (equiv.) Reagent (2) (equiv.) Yield (3) (%) __________________________________________________________________________ 1  MeCN (5)       3           3            36 2  THF (5)        3           3            58 3  DMSO (5)       2.3         2.3          69 4  DMF (5)        3           3            78 5  DMA (5)        2.5         2            67 6  20% HCOOMe in DMA (5) 2.5         2.0          62 __________________________________________________________________________ Effect of temperature temperature (.degree.C.) -20  4     18 33     42 58 on Reaction No. 4 yield of (3) (%) 68.3 78.3  91.0 90.5   92.1 85.0 __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR19## No. R     R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.4 IR(CHCl.sub.3).nu.: cm.sup.-1 NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.: ppm __________________________________________________________________________ 1A BOCNH Me Et Et nd.       1.06(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.23(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.26(t,J = 8 (Isomer A)               Hz,3H),1.52(s,9H),3.47(d,J = 4 Hz,1H),3.69(s,3H), 3.70(m,2H),4.11(q,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.14(q,J = 8 Hz,2H), 4.24(d,J = 10 Hz,1H),4.72(dd,J.sub.1 = 4 Hz,J.sub.2 = 10 Hz,1H), 6.86(s,1H),8.23(s,1H). 1B BOCNH Me Et Et 3410,1730. 0.97(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.21(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.24(t,J = (Isomer B)     mp. 132.about.133.degree. C. 8 Hz,3H),1.52(s,9H),3.47(m,1H),3.55(d,J = 8 Hz, 1H),3.70(s,3H),4.12(m,4H),4.27(d,J = 7 Hz,1H), 4.69(dd,J.sub.1 = 7 Hz,J.sub.2 = 8 Hz,1H),6.93(s,1H),8.38(s,1H). 2  CbzNH Me Me Me 3395,1734. 3.31,3.44(2 .times. s,3H),3.57,3.61,3.63,3.67, 3.70(5 .times. s,9H),3.25.about.3.85(m,1H),4.31.about.4.68(m, 2H),5.28(m, -      2H),6.92,6.97(2 .times. s,1H),7.37(s,5H),9.83(s,1H). 3A CbzNH Me Et Et nd.       1.04(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.18(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.20(t,J = (Isomer A)               8 Hz,3H),3.48(d,J = 4 Hz,1H),3.64(s,3H),3.66(q ,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.06(m,2H),4.08(q,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.35(d,J = 9 Hz,1H),4.68(dd,J.sub.1 = 4 Hz,J.sub.2 = 9 Hz,1H),5.26(s,2H), 6.91(s,1H),7.34(s,5H),9.47(s,1H). 3B CbzNH Me Et Et nd.       1.00(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.13(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.23(t,J = (Isomer B)               8 Hz,3H),3.4.about.3.8(m,3H),3.57(s,3H),4.06(q ,J = 8 Hz, 2H),4.14(q,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.45(d,J = 4 Hz,1H),4.70(dd, J.sub.1 = 4 Hz,J.sub.2 = 9 Hz,1H),5.22,5.36(AB q,J = 12 Hz,2H), 7.00(s,1H),7.33(s,5H),10.17(s,1H). 4  HCONH Et Et Et 3405,3180, 0.83.about.1.35(m,12H),3.1.about.3.8(m,3H),3.9 6.about.4.32(m, 1732,1700. 7H),4.52.about.4.74(m,1H),6.97,7.05(2 .times. s,1H),8.83(s, 1H),11.77(s,1H). 5  PhCHN Me Et Et 1730,1600, 1.24(t,J = 7 Hz,9H),3.70(s,3H),4.14(m,6H),3.63 , 1240.     4.12,(4.82(3 .times. m,3H),7.22,7.30(2 .times. s,1H),7.33(m, 2H),7.48(m,3H). __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR20## No. R      R.sup.1 R.sup.2 IR(CHCl.sub.3).nu.: cm.sup.-1 NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.: ppm __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH  Me Et nd.       1.22((t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.24(t,J = 8 Hz,3H),1.50(s,9H), 3.80,3.84(2 .times. s,3H),4.17(q,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.21(q,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.84,5.13(2 .times. d,J = 9 Hz,J = 10Hz,1H),7.11(s, 1H),7.15(m,1H),8.65(brs,1H). 2  CbzNH  Me Et 3390,1724. 1.20,1.23(2 .times. t,J = 8 Hz,6H),3.73,3.82(2 .times. s,3H), 4.16,4.20(2 .times. q,J = 8 Hz,4H),4.81,4.97(2 .times. d,J = 9 Hz,J = 10 Hz,1H),5.23(s,2H),5.1.about.5.4(m,7H),9.40(s, 1H). 3  HCONH  Et Et 3390,3170, 1.14.about.1.43(m,9H),4.06.about.4.44(m,6H),4.64 .about.4.84(d,J = 1720.     9 Hz,J = 10 Hz,1H),6.97.about.7.25(m,2H),8.52,8. 53(2 .times. s, 1H),11.27(s,1H). 4  PhCHN  Me Et 1730,1600, 1.23(t,J = 7 Hz,6H),2.6H(s,3H),4.19,4.21(q,J = 7 Hz, 1240.     4H),4.87,5.12(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),7.23,7.34(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),7.24,7.31(2 .times. s,1H),7.48,7.74(2 .times. m,2H). 5  Me.sub.2 NCHN Me Me 1755,1715, 3.06(s,3H),3.12(s,3H),3.74(s,6H),3.81(s,3H), 1610,1165. 4.82,5.27(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),6.94,7.00(2 .times. s,1H), (Nujol)   7.15,7.23(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),8.24,8.41(2 .times. s,1H). mp. 88.about.89.degree. C. 6  Me.sub.2 NCHN Et Et 1725,1615. 1.24,1.26(2 .times. t,J = 7 Hz,9H),3.06,3.10(2 .times. s,6H),4.18 (q,J = 7 Hz,6H),4.77,5.17(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),7.03, 7.20(2 .times. d,J = 10 Hz,1H),7.14(s,1H),8.23,8 .41(2 .times. s,1H). __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR21## No. R     IR(Nujol).nu.:cm.sup.-1 NMR .delta.:ppm __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH 3120,1700, 1.50(s,9H),3.45(d,J = 7.5 Hz,2H),7.00(t,J = 7.5 Hz,1H),7.13 (cis) 1675.    (s,1H). dp 153.about.154.degree. C. [CD.sub.3 SOCD.sub.3 ] 2  BOCNH 3150,1700, 1.49(s,9H),3.41(d,J = 7.5 Hz,2H),6.89(t,J = 7.5 Hz,1H),7.08 (trans) 1630,1600, (s,1H). dp 165.about.167.degree. C. [CD.sub.3 SOCD.sub.3 ] 3  CbzNH 3200,1738, 3.44,3.50,(2 .times. d,J = 8 Hz,2H),5.25(s,2H),7.07,7.35 (2 .times. t,J = 1715,1690, 8 Hz,1H),7.12(s,1H),7.38(brs,5H). dp 169.about.172.degree. C. [CDCl.sub.3 + CD.sub.3 OD] 4  HCONH 3400,1718, 3.45,3.63(2 .times. d,J = 7.5 Hz,2H),7.14,7.32(2 .times. t,J = 7.5 Hz,1H), 1690,1630, 7.23,7.25(2 .times. s,1H),8.51(s,1H). 1550.    [CDCl.sub.3 + CD.sub.3 OD] dp 168.degree.  C. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR22## No. R      R.sup.1 R.sup.3 IR(CHCl.sub.3).nu.:cm.sup.-1 NMR(CDCl.sub.3).delta.:ppm __________________________________________________________________________ 1  BOCNH  Me  COOMe  3415,1720 1.52(s,9H),3.54(d,J = 6.5 Hz,2H),3.64(s,3H), (anti-isomer)        1541,1155. 3.76(s,3H),7.11(s,1H),7.18(t,1H),9.12(brs, 1H). 2  BOCNH  Me  COOMe  3410,1720, 1.51(s,9H),3.54(d,J = 6.5 Hz,2H),3.69(s,3H), (syn-isomer)         1541,1150. 3.83(s,3H),7.03(s,1H),7.08(t,J = 6.5 Hz,1H), 9.12(brs,1H). 3  CbzNH  Me  COOMe  nd.       3.41,3.48(2 .times. d,J = 8 Hz,2H),3.65,3.73,3.69,3.83 (4 .times. s,6H),5.24(s,2H),7.00.about.7.37 (m,7H). 4  CbzNH  Et  COOEt  3395,1720. 1.19,1.20,1.22,1.30(4 .times. t,J = 8 Hz,6H),3.34,3.42 (2 .times. d,J = 8 Hz,2H),4.08,4.12,4.15,4. 24(4 .times. q,J = 8 Hz,4H),5.21,5.22,5.24(3 .times. s,2H),7.03,7.13(2 .times. t,J = 8 Hz,1H),7.03(s,1H),7.31(s,5H),10.15( brs, 1H). 5  CbzNH  CH.sub.2 Ph COOCH.sub.2 Ph 3400,1725. 3.31,3.42(2 .times. d,J = 7 Hz,2H),5.01,5.03,5.11,5.17 (4 .times. s,6H),6.96.about.7.30(m,17H),10. 19(brs,1H). 6  CbzNH  CHPh.sub.2 COOCH.sub.2 Ph 3490,1725. 3.34,3.40(2 .times. d,J = 7 Hz,2H),5.02,5.05,5.09,5.17 (4 .times. s,4H),6.8.about.7.4(m,23H),9.90( brs,1H). 7  CbzNH  Me  CN     --        3.73,3.83(2 .times. s,3H),5.23,5.25(2 .times. s,3H),6.78 (t,J = 7 Hz,1H),7.12,7.23(2 .times. s,1H),7.35(s, 5H),9.82(brs,1H). 8  HCONH  Me  CN     3310,2240, 3.80,3.89(2 .times. s,3H),6.85,6.90(2 .times. t,J = 7 Hz,1H), 1712,1695sh 7.32,7.51(2 .times. s,1H),8.65(s,1H),11.15( brs, (Nujol)   1H). [CD.sub.3 COCD.sub.3 ] 9  HCONH  Me  COOMe  --        3.46(t,J = 7.5 Hz,2H),3.66(s,3H),3.78(s,3H) , (anti-isomer)        mp. 100.degree. C. 7.05(s,1H),7.24(t,J = 7.5 Hz,1H),8.49(s,1H). 10 HCONH  Me  COOMe  --        3.56(d,J = 7.0 Hz,2H),3.73(s,3H),3.84(s,3H) , (syn-isomer)                   7.02(t,J = 7 Hz,1H),7.12(s,1H),8.55(s,1H). ll ClCH.sub.2 CONH Me  COOMe  --        3.50(d,J = 6.5 Hz,2H),3.68(s,3H),3.79(s,3H) , (anti-isomer)                  4.25(s,2H),7.24(s,1H),7.24(t,1H). 12 ClCH.sub.2 CONH Me  COOMe  --        3.60(d,J = 7 Hz,2H),3.75(s,3H),3.87(s,3H), (syn-isomer)                   4.27(s,2H),7.18(s,1H),7.18(t,J = 7 __________________________________________________________________________ Hz,1H).

## Claims

1. A process for producing a glutaconic acid compound by a condensation reaction of a thiazoleacetic acid compound (I) and an alkoxyacrylic acid compound (II) in the presence of a base, which comprises treating a thiazoleacetic acid compound (I) with a base selected from a hydride or lower alkoxide of an alkali metal to produce a carbanion (Ia), mixing this carbanion with an alkoxyacrylic acid compound (II) to produce an alkoxyglutaric acid compound (Ib), eliminating the alcohol R.sup.4 OH from the latter compound (Ib) to produce a glutaconic acid compound (III), and optionally hydrolysing the glutaconic acid compound (III) to produce free glutaconic acid compound (IV), said reaction being carried out in the presence of a solvent at a temperature of from -30.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for 5 minutes to 10 hours, and wherein 1 to 3 equivalents of said alkoxyacrylic acid compound (II) is treated with said thiazoleacetic acid compound (I) in the presence of 2 to 5 molar equivalent of said base in 3 to 20 parts by weight of said solvent, said compounds (I), (Ia), (Ib), (II), (III) and (IV) having the formulas: ##STR23## wherein, R is amino or amino substituted by 1C to 5C alkanoyl, halo-1C to 5C-alkanoyl, 2C to 6C alkoxyformyl, 8C to 15C aralkoxyformyl, or 3C to 8C akylidene or aralkylidene; 8C sufonylalkyl, 2C to 5C alkenyl, or 7C to 15C aralkyl; 5C haloakyl, 1C to 5C akoxyalkyl, 1C to 8C sulfonylalkyl, 2C to 5C alkenyl, or 7C to 15C aralkyl; 5C haloalkyl, 1C to 5C akoxyalkyl, 1C to 8C sulfonylalkyl, 2C to 5C alkenyl, or 7C to 15C aralkyl; and

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thiazoleacetic acid compound, alkoxyacrylic acid compound, and base are mixed together to produce the glutaconic acid compound.

3. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen.

4. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the process is carried out in a solvent selected from a hydrocarbon, ether, nitrile, sulfoxide, amide, or ester solvent or a mixture thereof.

5. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein an alkoxyacrylic acid compound is used as a reaction solvent.

6. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product (III) is hydrolyzed to produce a glutaconic acid compound (IV).

7. A process according to claim 1 in which the alkoxyglutaric acid compound (b) is isolated from the reaction mixture prior to the elimination of the alcohol R.sup.4 OH therefrom.