2-Butanone, condensation with diethyl oxalate and sodium ethoxide

A. 2-Methyl-4-eihoxalylcyclopenlane-l,3,5-trione. A solution of sodium ethoxide is prepared in a 2-1. three-necked, round-bottomed flask fitted with a mercury-sealed stirrer, a reflux condenser carrying a drying tube, and a stopper by the addition of 69.0 g. (3 moles) of sodium to 950 ml. of absolute ethanol. The solution is cooled to 0-5° in an ice bath and stirred. The stopper is replaced by a dropping funnel, and a cold mixture (5-15°) of 108 g. (1.50 moles) of freshly distilled 2-butanone and 482 g. (3.30 moles) of diethyl oxalate (Note 1) is added gradually over a... 

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