Replacing Solvent For Darzens?

[Blammo]

I have a simple question.

Can another polar aprotic reasonably replace dimethylformamide in the synthesis of glycidate esters?

Any suggestions for such a solvent? Would be fantastic if ethyl acetate could be used.

 

[mycelium]

Although Cyrene is polar, I read that it XAN replace dmf in a lot of reactions

Edit: there is a post on Cyrene on this site