A process for the preparation of mesotrione enolate is provided. The process comprises providing a solution of mesotrione in an organic solvent and contacting the solution with a moderate base in the presence of water at a pH of from 6 to 8, to form an aqueous mesotrione enolate solution. A process for preparing mesotrione from the products of an enol ester rearrangement of 3-oxocyclohex-1-enyl-4-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzoate is also provided. The process comprises contacting the products of the rearrangement reaction with an organic solvent to dissolve mesotrione; and contacting the resulting solution with an aqueous solution of an acid.