Malonic synthesis is a method that allows obtaining carboxylic acids. This synthesis starts with diethyl propanedioate (diethyl malonate).
Propanoic acid [2] can be obtained from diethyl malonate [1] through the indicated stages.
Stage 1. Formation of the diester enolate
Stage 2. Nucleophilic attack of the diester enolate to the haloalkane.
Stage 3 . diester hydrolysis
Stage 4. Decarboxylation