Aliphatic metal alkoxides decompose in water as summarized in this idealized equation:
In the transesterification process, metal alkoxides react with esters to bring about an exchange of alkyl groups between metal alkoxide and ester. With the metal alkoxide complex in focus, the result is the same as for alcoholysis, namely the replacement of alkoxide ligands, but at the same time the alkyl groups of the ester are changed, which can also be the primary goal of the reaction. Sodium methoxide in solution, for example, is commonly used for this purpose, a reaction that is used in the production of biodiesel.