Direct Esterification of Carboxylic Acid with Alkyl Halide by Cu(I) Oxide

Abstract

Esterification is one of the most fundamental synthetic reaactions, for which many methods have been known.¹) The present communication describes a new method of esterification of carboxylic acid with alkyl halide using Cu₂o-base system. As the base component, isonitrile and pypridine are suitable. This new method was found in the course of the studies upon the exploration of the catalysis of Cu(I)-isonitrilecomplex.