labile hydrogens results in the formation of complex mixtures. Ethyl malonate and ethyl acetoacetate have, however, been successfully ketovinylated. In the former case, α-carbethoxy-δ-keto-β,γ-unsaturated acids are produced in high yield and depending on the conditions of ketovinylation of ethyl acetoacetate either 4-alkyl salicyclic acids or polysubstituted benzene derivatives may be prepared. Further,