•
In the presence of pyridine, electron-rich alkenes give 2-oxo-3-alkenoic esters: Synthesis, 137 (1986):

• Reaction with imidazole, followed by a Grignard reagent, provides a route to ɑ-keto esters, generally in good yield: J. Org. Chem., 46, 211 (1981).