[rolnor]

If t-BuOK gives hydrolysis I think it can be old reagent containing KOH?

[wildfyr]

Buying potassium tert butoxide fresh is very recommended. It is very hygroscopic, and unless stored in a glove box it will almost certainly contain at least trace tert butanol and KOH.

Its also possible another reagent in your reaction had some water, which formed KOH in situ.

[kriggy]

Buying potassium tert butoxide fresh is very recommended. It is very hygroscopic, and unless stored in a glove box it will almost certainly contain at least trace tert butanol and KOH.

Its also possible another reagent in your reaction had some water, which formed KOH in situ.

If t-BuOK gives hydrolysis I think it can be old reagent containing KOH?

Ah right, didnt realize that at the time. I wanted to do transesterification but thought tBuOK is too bad nucleophile for that.

[rolnor]

If you have good NaH you can make t-BuONa, that reagent is similar as t-BuOK, ust mix t-BuOH and NaH and evaporate. You can also use Na-metal and t-BuOH.