Catalytic esterification of alcohols, carboxylic acids and transesterification reactions with cerium(IV) triflate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.72.455

Esterification reactions of alcohols with acetic, chloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, stearic, and benzoic acids were catalyzed with Ce(OTf)₄ in a solvent or under solvent-free conditions with high yields. The formylation and acetylation of primary and secondary alcohols were also easily achieved in ethyl formate and ethyl acetate. A high retention of the configuration was observed in the acetylation and formylation of (-)-menthol.