Copper Ion Promoted Esterification of S-2-Pyridyl Thioates and 2-Pyridyl Esters. Efficient Methods for the Preparation of Hindered Esters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00184a009

The esterification of the S-2-pyridyl thioates and 2-pyridyl esters with alcohols in acetonitrile is greatly facilitated by the addition of cupric bromide and copper ion is observed to catalyze the reaction.The ester formation is found to be sensitive to solvents, metal salts, and reaction temperatures.The esterification of S-2-pyridyl thioates is much more rapid than the esterification of 2-pyridyl esters under the reaction conditions employed.This method is exceedingly effective in the preparation of sterically hindered esters and has advantages over known methods in many respects such as high yields, the mildness of the reaction, and the rapidity of the reaction.