Abstract: The condensation of each of twenty five 1, 3-diketones with diethyl acetonedicarboxylate was shown to be affected strongly by steric effect. Potassium carbonate better condensing agent than conventionally used sodium ethoxide. was shown to be a somewhat Unsubstituted 1 and 3-substituted acetylacetones can be brought into condensation with diethyl, 3-diketones acetonedicar-boxylate from very low to high yields whilst 3, 3-disubstituted acetylacetones are devoid of reaction except scission.

Key words: 1, 3-Diketone, Diethyl acetonedicarboxylate, Aldol condensation