Unique Template Effects of Distannoxane Catalysts in Transesterification of Diol esters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89888-4

1,n-Diol diacetates (n = 2,3,4) are selectively converted into the corresponding monoacetates by distannoxane-catalyzed transesterification.Such unique selectivity is not encountered with 1,n-diol diacetates where n>/=5.A great difference in reactivity is also seen in the transesterification between methyl butyrate and 1,n-diol monoacetates: the ethylene glycol derivative sluggishly undergoes transesterification whereas higher homologs react smoothly.The unique template effects of the catalysts are discussed in terms of cooperation of two different tin atoms which are located in the proximity.