Simple transformation of nitrile into ester by the use of chlorotrimethylsilane

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02143-1

Treatment of nitriles with alcohol and chlorotrimethylsilane at 50°C for 4 h could give esters in fair to good yields. Under similar reaction conditions, intramolecular lactonization via the concomitant nitrile and hydroxy groups in good yield were also demonstrated.