Novel preparation of γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated ammonium salts

Abstract γ-Hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated ammonium salts were easily prepared from diol-ammonium salts by treatment with dimethyl carbonate and potassium carbonate at 75 °C. Dehydration progressed smoothly under very mild conditions. The presence of the diol unit is crucial for the smooth dehydration; monoalcohol derivatives failed this conversion.