Enolate ions Dieckmann cyclization

The mechanism of the Dieckmann cyclization, shown in Figure 23.6, is the same as that of the Claisen condensation. One of the two ester groups is converted into an enolate ion, which then carries out a nucleophilic acyl substitution on the second ester group at the other end of the molecule. A cyclic /3-keto ester product results. 

Dieckmann cyclization of diethyl adipate can be described by the two successive equilibria shown below. Use SpartanView to obtain the energies of diethyl adipate, the keto ester, the keto ester enolate ion, ethanol, and ethoxide anion, and calculate AH° for both steps. Which step is more favorable ... 

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