The reaction between the alkali metal halopyridinates with the lower alkyl esters of .alpha.-chloro or bromo acetic acid (or propionic acid) to form the corresponding O-alkylated halopyridinates is catalyzed by quaternary ammonium salts. For example, methyl .alpha.-(6-chloropyridinyloxy)acetate was prepared in excellent yield by reacting sodium 6-chloropyridinate with excess methyl .alpha.-chloroacetate in the presence of 2 mole percent of benzyl triethyl ammonium chloride.