1 was obtained in 82% yield from ethyl fluoroacetate and diethyl oxalate according to Bergmann et al., 8 mp 175-177" C dec. The protonated form of 1 was recovered by acidification to pH 1 with sulfuric acid and extraction with diethyl ether:'H NMR (CDC13, TMS) 6 1.37 (6 H, m, 2 OCH2CH3), 4.37 (4 H, m, 2 OCHzCH3),