The powder characterization and sintering behavior of alkoxide-derived alumina powders prepared by esterification were investigated. The dried powders were calcined at 700$^{circ}C$, 900$^{circ}C$, 1080$^{circ}C$, 1170$^{circ}C$ for 1 h. and the resulting crystalline forms were amorphous, {{{{ gamma }} phase, {{{{ theta }}+{{{{ alpha }} phase, and {{{{ alpha }} phase, respectively. The sinterability was best in the case of being calcined at 1170$^{circ}C$. It was most effective to disperse sintering additive in the initial stage from which acetate was formed. At 1600$^{circ}C$ for 4 h, 98.5% of relative density was obtained when MgO and Fe2O3 were simultaneously doped, and dense sintered body whose density was near theoretical value was obtained when heating schedule was controlled.