Selective α-Mono- and α,α-Dialkylations of 1,3-Diketones Using Solid Base Prepared from Sodium Ethoxide and Alumina

The alkylation of 1,3-diketones with alkyl halides using a solid base prepared from sodium ethoxide and alumina was carried out. The amount of 0.4 mol of sodium ethoxide on 50 g of alumina showed the best reactivity for alkylation. Selective mono- and dialkylation could be achieved by controlling the reaction temperature.