To a stirring suspension of NaH and CO(OEt)2 in toluene was added dropwise a solution of substituted acetophenone in toluene under reflux. The mixture was allowed to reflux and was stirred for 20 min after the addition was complete. When cooled to room temperature, the mixture was acidified with glacial HOAc. After ice-cold water was added, the mixture was extracted with toluene. The extract was then dried over anhydrous MgS04. After the toluene was evaporated in vacuo to give the corresponding substituted Ethyl (3-fluorobenzoyl)acetate.
