Problem with the Claisen condensation

Dear Colleagues,

I have performed reaction of p-hydroxyacetophenone with ethyl acetate,
in the presence of sodium, in order to obtain p-hydroxybenzoylacetone.
I have done it according to the analogous procedure for orto-hydroxy
izomer, which I found in the literature. I have refluxed a mixture of
ketone, ester and sodium metal, under argon for 4 houers. In
accordance with the published procedure I have obtain the yellow
precipitate (probaly the sodim salt of product), but after treatment
it with 40% acetic acid I have obtain a pure starting material
(p-hydroxyacetophenone).
Could anyone give me any suggestion what is wrong. 
Thank you in advance.
Marcin
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Paul J. Franklin(moderator - sci.chem.organic.synthesis) 
http://organicworldwide.net/sci.chem.organic.synthesis
Georgia State University <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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