Improved laboratory method for preparation of monoethyl malonate

Using diethyl malonate as the starting material,monoethyl malonate was conveniently and efficiently obtained in an overall yield of 88.5% via several steps.The saponification of diethyl malonate in the presence of KOH could yield ethyl potassium malonate,followed by filtration and acidification by HCl to yield the target product.In contrast to the method reported in the literature,the procedure reported herein is characterized with such merits as simplicity in work-up and reduced reaction time.