Electrodialysis in a non-aqueous medium: A clean process for the production of acetoacetic ester

Alkoxide is used as an agent and consumed in condensation reactions, e.g., in the production of acetoacetic ester. Working in an alcoholic medium and starting from a salt, it is possible to produce an alkoxide by means of electrodialysis. This principle was applied successfully for the production of acetoacetic ester and the recovery of the alkoxide in a single step. Such a process would offer self-sufficiency; the alkoxide could be recovered, thus foregoing the use of mineral acids and the consequent production of a salt as a waste. The merits can be seen in an economical as well as in an ecological context.