A new procedure for preparing β-keto esters from methyl ketones, sodamide and diethyl carbonate using these reagents in the molar ratio of 1: 3: 3 is reported. The yields of β-keto esters approach to those of the preparation using sodium hydride as condensing agent. Furthermore, some cyclopentenolones were prepared from the β-keto esters synthesized by this-procedure.
