Process for preparing alkyl-4-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylate

A method for preparing a compound of general formula (I)

• in which
• R1 is (C1-C4) alkyl,
• the method comprising:
• reacting a compound of general formula (II)
• in which
• R2 is (C1-C4) alkyl,
• with a compound of general formula (III)
• in which R1 is as defined above,
• in the presence of MO—Z in an alcohol Z—OH,
• in which
• M is an alkali metal ion and
• Z is (C1-C4) alkyl, not including t-butyl;
• forming, in a cyclization reaction, a cyclization product of general formula (IV)
• in which R1 is as defined for formula (I);
• and
• reacting, under non-hydrolytic conditions, the cyclization products in a dealkoxycarbonylation reaction to form the compound of general formula (I).