Abstract 3-Acyl (arylmethyleneacyl) tetronic acids were synthesized. Selective hydrogenation of the carbonyl group in the acyl fragment and reduction of the conjugated double bond afforded in high yield the corresponding 3-alkyl (aralkyl) derivatives possessing either natural or modified prostaglandin α-chain. Reduction of the conjugated double bond in vinylogous 3-alkyl (aralkyl) tetronic acid amides with sodium ...
