| abstract |
A method of preparing a diester having the formula **(Formula)** as well as the corresponding monoester, formula wherein Aryl is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, or biphenylyl, each X is a substituent on said Aryl, selected from halogen, alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy and alkylthio from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonyl from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, methylenedioxy, cyano, trifluoromethio or nitro, Z is oxygen or sulfur and a is an integer from zero to 3. |