where M is a metal, R is the alkyl group, n is an integer, M(OR)n is the alkoxide, HO2 C8 H15 is 2-ethylhexanoic acid, M(O2 C8 H15)n is a metal 2-ethylhexanoate, and HOR is an alcohol, which reactions completely transform the alkoxide part of the intermediate metal-alkoxocarboxylate to full carboxylates, also occur.