A new, generally useful malonic ester synthesis has been developed on the basis of the alkoxycarbonyl moiety as a blocking group. Thus trialkyl methanetricarboxylates, symmetrical or unsymmetrical, were converted to their stable, nonhygroscopic sodio salts which were readily alkylated with multifunctional halides. Further elaboration could be carried out on the side chain, and reversion to the malonate was effected by ...
