Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a method of synthesizing prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs comprising the ring closing metathesis of compounds of Formula (I). Also provided are novel compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II). In addition to their use as synthetic intermediates in the presently disclosed methods, compounds of Formula (II) can be used as prostaglandin and/or prostaglandin analog prodrugs.

Abstract: A method of preparing a N-acyl-N,N?,N?-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester comprising contacting a cyclic amidine with an ester of a haloalkanoic acid is provided. In some embodiments, the method involves preparing a N-acyl-N,N?,N?-ethylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester by contacting a 2-alkyl imidazoline with the ester of haloalkanoic acid. In some embodiments, the N-acyl-N,N?,N?-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid ester is a synthetic intermediate in the preparation of a N-acyl-N,N?,N?-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acid or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the method provides novel N-acyl-N,N?,N?-alkylenediamine trialkanoic acids and/or esters, which can be used, for example, as chelating agents.