The conversion of alcohols and phenols to esters is an important synthetic transformation that has received considerable attention. A common method for the acylation of alcohols utilizes pyridine and DMAP as catalysts.  DMAP and pyridine are toxic, corrosive, and unpleasant to handle.  Our continued interest in environmentally friendly organic synthesis prompted us to investigate the utility of iron (III) tosylate as a catalyst for acylation of alcohols, phenols and diols.  We now report that iron (III) tosylate is an attractive catalyst for these reactions because of its low toxicity, relatively low cost, and ease of handling.  Iron(III) catalyst is also an effective catalyst for the acylation of aldehydes.  The results of these studies will be presented.                                                  

Iron(III) tosylate catalyzed acylation of alcohols, phenols, and aldehydes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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