Synthesis of ethyl acetoacetate and its reaction kinetics

Ethyl acetoacetate is a key intermediate in the fine chemical industry. In order to solve the problem that the system for synthesizing acetoacetic ester from diketene and ethanol lacks systematic kinetic studies, thus restricting process optimization and industrial application. In this study, kinetic investigations were carried out on the above-mentioned synthesis reaction using triethylamine as the catalyst. The reaction rate constants at different temperatures were determined, and the reaction activation energy was calculated accordingly. A corresponding kinetic model was established and verified. Meanwhile, the microscopic catalytic mechanism of triethylamine in this reaction was clarified through relevant characterization and theoretical analysis. The research results provide key kinetic support for the parameter optimization of ethyl acetoacetate synthesis process and also offer a reference for the synthesis of similar ketoester compounds.