q NOTE THAT THE ETHOXIDE BASE IS CONSUMED: THE REACTION IS NOT CATALYTIC, BUT PROMOTED.

q THE EQUILIBRIUM FOR STEPS 1-3 IS UNFAVORABLE. WHY? A RESONANCE STABILIZED ESTER FUNCTIONALITY IS CONVERTED TO A KETONE FUNCTIONALITY.

q THE THERMODYNAMIC DRIVING FORCE FOR THE REACTION IS PROVIDED BY THE HIGHLY EXERGONIC NEUTRALIZATION REACTION OF STEP 4.

q THE BETA KETO ESTER PRODUCT, ETHYL ACETOACETATE, IS OBTAIN UPON ACIDIFICATION IN THE WORK-UP.