Abstract
In endeavoring to better understand the substance known as PQQ, the synthesis of the isomeric analogue ethyl pyruvate 2-methoxy-5- nitrophenylhydrazone was attempted. The synthesis consists of seven steps, where the first two involved first the formation of a diazonium salt subsequently reacting with a solution of ethyl-2-methylacetoacetate in slightly basic buffer. Difficulties were found in obtaining the product in purity?the major side product which resulted from ethoxy cleavage rather than acetyl was determined to be dependent upon the pH of the buffer solution and possibly the temperature of the reaction.
