Ethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)acetoacetate is an active metabolite of leflunomide, a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that reduces the number of activated central nervous system lymphocytes.
Ethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)acetoacetate is a mono-, di-, and trifunctional three-carbon electrophile in carbonyl reactions and cyclization reactions; a β-ketoester equivalent.
Ethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)acetoacetate is obtained by heating Ethyl Acetoacetate with Triethyl Orthoformate in Acetic Anhydride.
May be kept for a few weeks at 0 °C in the dark with addition of hydroquinone. The enol ether hydrolyses slowly in contact with water. Use in a fume hood.
